Everyone's been talking about the Radiohead remix contest this week. Pretty self-explanatory if you've looked on any music blog or music service lately. Apple and Radiohead are offering five stems of the song (guitar, drums, bass, etc) as well as the original version of "Nude" for sale, with the opportunity/challenge for fans to create the ultimate remix, upload it to www.radioheadremix.com where other fans can vote on your rendition until May 1st. There is no mention of a prize, but knowing Radiohead I'm sure there is one. I can't wait to see what other people have created, seeing as I don't have the patience to spend hours on GarageBand making one myself. Good luck remixers - don't let me down!
Till we find out whose remix will rule, get your groove on with the Paul Oakenfold's 2008 remix of "Everything in it's Right Place." I'm busting a move to it right now.
Juno fans listen up. Moldy Peaches fans get in on this too. We all know Kimya Dawson is adorable; as part of MP and the musical inspiration for the Juno soundtrack (handpicked by Ellen Page) of course we've been exposed to some of her music. Of course we love it. But is it possible, and hear me out, that we can sometimes DESPISE it too?! When I first picked up the Juno tunes, I found myself enjoying Kimya's childlike songs immensely, but only after separating her tracks from the others by The Kinks, Mott the Hoople, Cat Power, Buddy Holly and the rest. There is absolutely no easy flow between the sounds of classics like "A Well Respected Man" and Kimya's honest attempt at pregnant-teenage-sixteen-year-old theme music.
I thought I was crazy there for awhile, rocking my two separate Juno playlists. The soundtrack was number one on itunes for weeks, and is one of 2008's top sellers so far. It's not that I don't appreciate Kimya, cause I love her. And though I can only take her music in small doses, I consider her a brilliantly heartfelt lyricist. Finally I came across this review from Jim and Greg over at Chicago Public Radio's famous Sound Opinions. They reviewed the album and both gave it a thumbs down, mentioning the same complaint with lack of continuity that I described. Though I don't agree with their assessment of the movie (I LOVED it) or their "trash it" ratings, I think they've got some valid complaints. Someone did drop the ball on making this record seamless. Judge for yourselves.
My favorite Kimya song unfortunately doesn't appear on this album. Check out "You Love Me" on itunes or Rhapsody. It's more accessible and less tiresome than some of her other songs. I love it.
Mr. Billy Bragg is back for his twelfth studio album, Mr. Love and Justice. Though the album has already made it's way to number 33 on the UK charts, it is yet to be released here in the US. We do have a sample of whats to come thanks to the single "I Keep the Faith" which is available for purchase on itunes, or was available free from the MPR podcast daily download last week. As an English musician and author, Billy is probably most famous for his work with the amazing Wilco on 1998's Mermaid Avenue and 2000's Mermaid Avenue V. 2.
But its the social and political conscientiousness of his lyrics that has always sucked me in; the man is fearless in tackling the big issues both on and off stage. In England he has been majorly involved in voter recruitment, political reform (Especially the House of Lords), as well as an ardent voice against facism, racism, sexism, homphobia, and bigotry. He contributed to the Rock Against Bush album with ska-punk band Less Than Jake, and has been a huge favorite here in Seattle at KEXP.
I haven't had a chance to rock the new album yet, but I love this song. If you haven't seen it yet, also check out the performance below. Live at Seattle's Triple Door, Bragg performs "Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards". The song tackles the state of global political/social activism (or apathy) with an absolute stabbing truth. Plus, Billy is extremely charming and funny.
Note: Though he improvs some lyrics on stage, here are the original words:
One leap forward, two leaps back Will politics get me the sack? Here comes the future and you cant run from it If you've got a blacklist I want to be on it Its a mighty long way down rock n roll From top of the pops to drawing the dole If no one seems to understand Start your own revolution and cut out the middleman In a perfect world wed all sing in tune But this is reality so give me some room
So join the struggle while you may The revolution is just a t-shirt away Waiting for the great leap forwards
For anyone who watches the speech at the end: "A patriot is someone who gives a shit about what happens in their country."
Just a few words honored guests... MP3s or MP3 links are posted for sampling purposes only, and therefore are only available for a limited time. If anyone needs a link removed, email me at lcruz09@cmc.edu, and I will remove it immediately.
If you like what you hear on Umbrellas, I encourage you to support these worship-worthy artists by buying their tunes, merch, and all-out stalking them if a restraining order should not prevent you.
If you are in a band, or represent an artist looking to get a little free hype/promotion, feel free to e-mail me your tracks as well. I'm all ears.
Everyone's been talking about the Radiohead remix contest this week. Pretty self-explanatory if you've looked on any music blog or music service lately. Apple and Radiohead are offering five stems of the song (guitar, drums, bass, etc) as well as the original version of "Nude" for sale, with the opportunity/challenge for fans to create the ultimate remix, upload it to www.radioheadremix.com where other fans can vote on your rendition until May 1st. There is no mention of a prize, but knowing Radiohead I'm sure there is one. I can't wait to see what other people have created, seeing as I don't have the patience to spend hours on GarageBand making one myself. Good luck remixers - don't let me down!
