Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Hello, Goodbye


UMBRELLAS is MOVING!

Yes, Blogger and I are officially breaking up. We had a good run together, but it's time to say Hello, Goodbye. John, Paul, George, and Ringo taught me how. Please, turn on The Beatles " Hello, Goodbye" right now.

VISIT THE SITE @ Wordpress!

It's like I'm moving on up. To a DE-luxe apartment in the sky. Please be patient while I work out any growing pains...

Monday, May 25, 2009

They Came From Claremont? Vol. 1

Attending college in the town of Claremont, CA can prove just far enough from L.A. (about forty minutes) to feel musically relevant. Quality concerts are sparse, often requiring the kind of adventurous, treasure-seeking attitude that college students can spare little time for. Keg parties are quite time consuming, you see...

Despite mountains of midterms, every college has it's success stories; bands that met over late night study sessions and too many cups of coffee, forming strong friendships and sharing their mutual interest in musical production. Between Claremont's consortium of five institutions for higher learning (Pomona, Pitzer, Claremont McKenna, Scripps, and Harvey Mudd), we too have a history - albeit limited - of artistic talent and indie-rock success.

First on my They Came from Claremont? list: We Are Scientists

Formed in 2000 by Pomona graduates Chris Cain (bass and back-up vocals) and Keith Murray (guitar and lead vocals), as well as Harvey Mudd alum Michael Tapper (drums and back-up vocals), the boys quickly developed a sizable cult following with their two self-made LPs and two self-produced EPs. By 2006 they were touring with the likes of Maximo Park, The Arctic Monkeys, and The Mystery Jets, playing David Letterman and Conan O'Brien along the way.

According to the band they love to release, "rock music of the thoughtful, sometimes epic, often loud, vaguely danceable, implicitly humanist variety." Fans have hailed their humorous live shows, quirky stage presence, and use of witty banter on stage and in interviews. Oddly enough, W.A.S. has inspired a larger following across the Atlantic than they ever have in America. Although Tapper left the band in 2007 for reasons unknown, the band has never replaced the founding member. With a few stand-in musicians offering their services, the band continues to tour the world after the success of their latest release, Brain Thrust Mastery. They've also been known to stop by the Claremont Colleges every so often to play a free show. Major shout out to them for remembering their roots.

If you were brave enough to stomach Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008), you may have heard their hit song "After Hours." used on the film's soundtrack.


Here's to you We Are Scientists, for making us constantly guess the story behind your name. And for giving Claremont a lasting one.

They Charge for My Whole Life


Spending time together is easy
When you spend so much time apart
I gave up my freedom
But I gained a second heart

Second heart is all I need this fall
Cause you know,
I need someone to sing me to sleep

Making good decisions is easy
When you haven't got a choice
Telephone turn on sunshine
When it sends you the right voice

The right voice is all I need this fall
Cause you know,
I need someone to sing me to sleep

Hello to the angry phone bill,
They charge for my whole life
Wise man, he once told me:
Cut the cord with a kitchen knife

Kitchen knife is all I need this fall
Cause you know,
I need someone to sing me... ZZZ

Listen and Love

When indie-rocker Michael Benjamin Lerner signed a record deal with Merge Records earlier this year, he quickly released his band's first self-titled debut, Telekinesis. Produced by Death Cab's Chris Walla, this Seattle-based band reinvents power-pop perfection. Despite an album chalk full of bubbly chords and irresistible hooks, my favorite track is the slower ballad "I Saw Lightning."

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Motown vs. Stax Showdown V.1

Since reading more about two of the most influential independent labels in U.S. history (Thanks history of rock textbook), my love for the sixties has only grown. Never thought that was possible. Both Motown and Stax records were born from humble beginnings; the one man and a dream conception, that led to family run organizations, and eventually, two powerhouse studios that stand as rock n' roll landmarks today.

Founded in 1959 by professional boxer, songwriter, and producer Berry Gordy, Motown Records became famous for it's assembly line production. Artists were shuttled in off the streets of Detroit and into a rigorous grooming process including finishing school, etiquette classes, dance lessons, and stage presence instruction by executive musical director Maurice King. Artists' careers were cultivated slowly, under the watchful eye of Gordy, and his infamous attention to detail. With what he called "The Sound of Young America," Gordy transformed an $800 loan (used to purchase the old studio house, affectionately christened "Hitsville, USA") into a multi-million dollar company. In it's most successful years between 1964-1967 Motown produced fourteen #1 Pop singles, twenty #1 R&B singles, forty-six more Top Fifteen Pop singles, and seventy-five more Top Fifteen R&B singles. Artists like The Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye, The Impressions, The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and Smokey Robinson all thrived for years under the Motown label.

Around the same time down in Memphis, Stax Records was founded amidst a hotbed of racial tension. Despite the fact that in most southern cities, segregation prevaled and perverted nearly all daily interaction, Memphis's "transracial" attitude was unique. Music - particualrily the thriving nightclub scene - allowed for blacks and whites to comingle harmoniously and without incident. Judgments from one musician to the next were predicated on talent, not race or skin color. Like Motown, Stax began with one man: Jim Stewart. A bank worker by day, Stewart started Satellite records out of a garage in 1957, until the financial support of his sister Estelle allowed the duo to move into an abandoned theater. Their first big break came in 1961 when one of their artists, The Mar-Keys (formerly The Royal Spades) hit pay dirt with their single "Last Night." Satellite changed their name to Stax that same year, and "Soulsville, USA" was born. Over the next fifteen years, Stax produced the most extensive catalogue of soul music to date. Artists like Same and Dave, Booker T. and The MG's, Wilson Pickett, and Otis Redding lifted the label out of obscurity and into the annals of rock n' roll history.

One of the greatest differences between the two labels was their most basic approach to music production. Unlike the assembly line that was Motown, everything at Stax was recorded live, rough, and often unrehearsed. While one label found success in polished (over)production, the other capitalized on the gritty, raw emotional power of their environment. The legend of Motown was built in a studio. While Stax, in their authentic approach, embodied the streets.

It's like typing yourself Lennon or McCartney (Lennon, all the way). Are you a Motown or a Stax? Enter my showdown series. It may help you find out...

Today's Contestants:

1. In Motown's Corner: The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman (1961) [mp3]
The Marvelettes were responsible for giving Motown it's first #1 Pop hit. Although their success was ultimately eclipsed by The Supremes (and diva Diana Ross), their mark on the Top Forty had been made. With nine more hits, The Marevelettes hit the beginning of the end when they passed on the chance to record "Baby Love," a single that would become a #1 smash for The Supremes.

2. In Stax's Corner: Carla Thomas - B.A.B.Y. (1966) [mp3]
Besides The Mar-Kays, Carla and her father Rufus Thomas were one of the first acts signed to the label, when it was still called Satellite. "B.A.B.Y." became Carla's most powerful single, reaching #14 on the Pop charts, and #3 on R&B, earning her the title of "Queen of Memphis Soul."

I think you know which kind of girl I am, and therefore where my Round 1 vote lies. But are you Moto or Stax?

Two Weeks

Two Weeks


Dear Grizzly Bear, you are brilliant. Brilliant.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Finally.

...It has arrived! The video for Royksopp's "The Girl and the Robot" is here. Robyn looks bangin' as usual, and call me C3P-Ho, but I totally want me a robot BF. When he busts a move around 2:16, I go a little bananas. Although, sidenote, who thinks Red looks a little like Predator's second cousin?

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Remix After All

If you haven't heard the awesome word, the FREE remix album of Daft Punk's Human After All dropped today. The buzzed about album was a collaborative effort; ten of the best music bloggers chose a favorite on the verge DJ/producer to rework a track. Learn more about it and download the LP in it's entirety over at my fav, Sheena Beaston.

We're lovin' on it, after all.

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: Project Jenny, Project Jan's infectiously ambient 2007 debut, XOXOXOXOXO. While most of the album defies categorization, every track can certainly be labeled entertaining. Rhythmically diverse and sonically original, this badass duo know how to jump-start even the lamest celebration.

Project Jenny, Project Jan - 320
Project Jenny, Project Jan - Marsupial

Check out the live performance of their cleverly crude single "Negative," which can be found on their groundbreaking 2005 EP, EP. Also, check out their site here.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Listen and Love

No breaking news here folks. Heartless Bastards latest release has been snowballing buzz since January of this year. With the release of The Mountain on February 3, 2009 the "Best Album of the Year" label was instantaneously thrown around by bloggers and music journalists alike. Despite being released around the time of the critically-acclaimed Merriweather Post Pavilion, The Mountain managed to penetrate the online community, even turning the ears of Animal Collective's most devout worshipers. For previous fans, this LP may appear more downtempo and polished than the hard-rocking ferocity of Stairs and Elevators. After a thorough listen (or ten), newcomers and die-hard fans alike can't help but fall head over heels. Trust me. Even for Heartless Bastards, there sure is a lot to love...

Heartless Bastards - The Mountain [mp3]
Heartless Bastards - Hold Your Head High [mp3]

I was lucky enough to snag my copy from Amazon for only $1.99 on the daily deal. But search out this treasure at any price. It's well worth dropping some Hamiltons. And be sure to check Amazon mp3 everyday; Today's special is Passion Pit's first (and very fun) full-length release, Manners. There hasn't been a debut with this much hype since Vampire Weekend. Good thing? Bad Thing? You decide,

LtK

Monday, May 18, 2009

The Beach Party

Just a little reminder that, wherever you are, you should be having one. A beach party that is. Solo BPs are not only acceptable, they're radical. Make sure to bring your iPod and a pink flamingo to keep you company.

Friday, May 15, 2009

I'm (Still, Still) On a Boat

OMG. I have no words. Other than: What do you think the ratio of words to expletive beeps is? Poor Jorma...

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Listen and Love

Today's installment was born out my anticipation for the upcoming release of John Vanderslice's latest, Romanian Names. The album is set to be released next Tuesday, May 19th. Until then feast your tympanic membranes on his 2007 masterpiece, Emerald City.

John Vanderslice - White Dove [mp3]
John Vanderslice - The Minaret [mp3]
An absolutely amazing song instrumentally, as well as lyrically. A great commentary on the destruction and pointlessness of war.
John Vanderslice - Tablespoon of Codeine [mp3]

Also, here's a few special treats for your continued attention. Thanks lovers. Promo tracks from V-slice, the new album stream link, and a rocking performance vid of "White Dove."

Full Album Stream @ NPR

John Vanderslice - Fetal Horses (Off Romanian Names) [mp3]
John Vanderslice - Too Much Time (Off Romanian Names) [mp3]



Ltk

Monday, May 11, 2009

(Put on Your) Summertime Clothes



Animal Collective was live on David Letterman last week. They killed it, as usual. I'm still holding out for them to do something with "Lion in a Coma" single-wise. It may not be as radio-ready as others, but it's bottom-line brilliant.

Major Tom

The spanking new single from Shiny Toy Guns, "Major Tom" is now available for free thanks to Amazon Mp3. Don't go in with "Le Disko" expectations. You won't hear it on primetime TV, but this track is still worth some spins.

RIP

The Shins as we once knew them are officially dead. Pitchfork and Stereogum have both reported that keyboardist Marty Crandall and drummer Jesse Sandoval apparently "aren't in the band" anymore. James Mercer dishes on the lineup shuffle, as well as some other extracurricular projects aside from The Shins. Read the full article here.

Replacements include bassist Ron Lewis from Grand Archives + Fruits Bats and drummer Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse. In short, the fundamental changes were accredited to new composition/production ideas for their TBA fourth album.

This is rough for me. The only original members now remaining are (my unrequited love) Mercer and Dave Hernandez. And what a weird way to announce someone leaving - simply stating they are not a part of the band. Did they leave on the basis of creative difference/personal choice? Or were they more or less forced out of the band they originated? Either way it's sadness personified. I only hope this "new sound" isn't their grander intention to land on another movie soundtrack, commercial, or Starbucks compilation. How boring. How creatively pointless. Ultimately, I'm going to put my faith in James Mercer because nine year commitments don't come along too often for me. Show me this artistic RIP isn't all for some commercial crap, and I'll change my tune. Pun intended.

The Shins - Girl Inform Me [mp3]
From Oh, Inverted World (2001)

The Shins - Pink Bullets [mp3]
From Chutes Too Narrow (2003)

The Shins - Sea Legs [mp3]
From Wincing the Night Away (2007)

In honor of the dearly departed members, and perhaps an era in weightlessly jangling, revelatory indie-pop, here's a mini thematic mixtape. After this loss, you think the band will start feeling a Phantom Limb?

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Motherlover



Happy Mother's Day y'all.

"Cause every Mother's Day needs a Mother's Night..."

Saturday, May 9, 2009

This Time Tomorrow

Lucky for me I know what to do when I'm in the mood for Wes Anderson and The Kinks. Turn on The Darjeeling Limited and I'm golden. This amazing film is chalk full of Kink goodness. Check for "This Time Tomorrow" 32 seconds into the trailer. Not only is Wes a comedic genius who understands the darkly hilarious intricacies of family, but he can but a pretty dec soundtrack together. His music selections define his characters; elaborating perfectly on their already bizarre development. Love it.



"He says the train is lost."
"How can a train be lost, it's on rails?"

The Kinks - This Time Tomorrow [mp3]


Hometime

Off the upcoming release All Balloons, here's a new One eskimO track that will tug at those heart strings. If you're planning on picking up a copy of the album, prepare to weep a little.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Dollar Deserving Discs

Hand over those hard-earned greenbacks, it's time for new music Tuesday. Our recommendations for your listening pleasure:

***Peaches - I Feel Cream***

St. Vincent - Actor

Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band - Outer South
And for purely superficial Entertainment, Fischerspooner. Seriously, don't let me catch you saying I thought this was anything more than a quick and dirty listen.
New Music Tuesday 5/5
Peaches - Talk to Me [mp3]
St. Vincent - The Neighbors [mp3]
Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band - Big Black Nothing
Fischerspooner - The Best Revenge [mp3]

Radical Listening,
LtK

Monday, May 4, 2009

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love is a slight throwback. I've loved on Animal Collective's latest for months now, but it's Panda Bear/Noah Lennox's 2004 release, Young Prayer that's been occupying my ear buds lately. Recorded shortly after the death of his father, the soft-spoken electronic meditation of Young Prayer is a pitch-perfect audio eulogy. If you can't get enough, check out Noah's greatest solo effort to date: 2007's Person Pitch.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Hard Times

New Patrick Wolf is burning up my play count. Just when you think he can't get any better. Start getting excited for the release of The Bachelor.

Embrace the Martian

I've been rocking out to Kid Cudi's Dat Kid from Cleveland mixtape for a bit now. You probably have been too. It hosts leaked/familiar tracks like "Sky Might Fall" (See Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen trailer), "I Poke Her Face," "Higher Up," "Sky High," "Switchin' Lanes," and the "09 Freestyle." I've never been able to get into mixtapes (not even Lil Wayne's massive collection), but Cudi is just so freaking likable, I'm starting to change my mind. It's close to the hate to love scenario.

But here's what makes me feel a little better about my masochism: Cudi doesn't pretend to be deep. He's not trying to be early Common Sense. He doesn't proclaim to be the best rapper alive, and he's openly admitted his rhymes lack substance. Honesty can go along way with me.

Kid Cudi - Can I Be [mp3]
Kid Cudi - Super Boo [mp3]
Kid Cudi - Higher Up [mp3]

More than anything off Cleveland, I'm loving on Kid Cudi's "Embrace the Martian." A track off the A Kid Named CuDi mixtape, it's floating around out there in the blogosphere. Go find it treasure seekers. Til you do, here's a little freestyle to keep you warm at night.



Embrace the martian,
I come in peace, but I need your rock in me,

LtK

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love is an installment from my own personal discovery. I'm bummed to have only come upon Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele two weeks ago. I could have been rewarding my ears with these gems since February. Don't make my mistake, get in on this right away. For fans of the quirky instrumentation of Sufjan Stevens, Beirut, or Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band. And of course, ukulele aficionados.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Dear Silence, Here's Some Great Noise

TV on the Radio is once again at the top of my playlist with some remixes off their Dear Silence EP. My favorite is the Gang Gang Dance remix, because the self-proclaimed "underground" act always gets me. That reminds me, buy Saint Dymphna right away. If you love on Yeasayer or Deerhunter this ones for you.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Trust Me, I Love My Phone

New from Mike Skinner, via his Twitter, it's the latest from The Streets. Not sure how I feel about the freebies yet. I miss the era of Original Pirate Material.

Monday, April 13, 2009

I'm a AA, Who Thinks XXX

Viewer Beware: Radness follows. Peaches spanking new vid for the single "Talk to Me" surfaced today. If you haven't already heard, the stellar new album I Feel Cream drops May 5th. Circle, heart, and peach that date on your calender because this one is going to be epic.




Here's a classic track from The Teaches of Peaches to get your engine revving. Double R Dirrty.

Peaches - AA XXX [mp3]

XXX O,
LtK

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: The Tallest Man on Earth's 2008 release: Shallow Graves. He opened for Bon Iver, and manages to pull off contemporary Dylan. I love on it.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

The Way We Move From A to B, It Can't Be Up to Me

Though it's been out for awhile, I'm just getting into this Drake and Mickey Factz reworking of Lykke Li's "Little Bit." Call me unfashionably late to this party.

Wale - W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E. (Justice Sample) [mp3]
Kid Cudi / Kanye / Common / A-Trak - I Poke Her Face (Lady GaGa Sample)

Rhymefest - Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson Sample) [mp3]

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: The latest release from Minneapolis-based rapper/emcee P.O.S., Never Better. The title is completely appropriate. He's never been better.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Ta Douleur

I love on this song, from french pop singer Camille, despite not understanding a word. The crazy crazy video makes me think it must be genius. That, and I now want to burn any and all blue sweaters.


Camille - Ta Douleur from Francès - IES Pere Fontdevila on Vimeo.

1000 Minutes Vol. 2

Time to knock another installment off my 1000 minutes. If you're lost, start here.

3. Portishead - Glory Box (5:06) [Time Remaining: 990.41]
It was difficult for me to resist tossing on Dummy in it's entirety. After all, it seems impossible for a girl to outgrow such heavy-hitters as "It Could Be Sweet," "Sour Times," and "It's a Fire." You see, Dummy effectively tamed my inner tomboy. In an age of grunge, flannel shirts, and all-around poor hygiene, Portishead brought the glory back to femininity. If I were brave enough to use the term "sexuality," this album made me own it. I treasure "Glory Box" because it's the ultimate female inner-monologue. We may be notorious for over thinking, but this track simplifies our most basic desires, and poetically. I'm so tired of playing / playing with this bow and arrow / I'm gonna give my heart away / leave it to the other girls to play / for I've been a temptress too long / give me a reason to love you / give me a reason to be a woman / i just wanna be a woman.

4. The Clash - Lost in the Supermarket (3:50) [Time Remaining: 986.91]
We all know The Clash is my favorite band of all time. I've driven that point into the ground. So I'll just tell you why this London Calling track gets me every time. It was love at first verse. I wasn't born so much as I fell out... "Lost in the Supermarket" may be another cautionary tale of crushing commercialism, but observations by a disenchanted narrator set it apart. Nay, above. We all strive to dig out our place in society. A desire to belong means we take instructions on our work, love, and consumption. Joe Strummer is so brilliant he can make me laugh at this very sad fact: Everything we do to belong has actually made us more lonely. I'm all lost in the supermarket / I can no longer shop happily / I came in for that special offer / A guaranteed personality.

Let Me Feel Your Hands Go Clap

New Peaches, I Feel Cream hits stores May 5, 2009. We are tots excited. Exhibits A-C:

You Can Wear Your Furr

Portland favorite Blitzen Trapper stopped by Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions for a stunning live set and a chat with our favorite music critics/DJs, Jim and Greg.

If you aren't already subscribed to the Sound Opinions podcast, take advantage. Make something happen. The show is a perfect blend of relevant music news, album reviews, live sets, and general music commentary by two of the most opinionated and knowledgeable guys in the business.
Here's some links to stream some live Blitzen in iTunes. Visit Sound Opinions, and/or download last week's podcast for more content.


You can also peep them live on Conan here:

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: 100 Monkeys' debut album, Monster de Lux

Indie rockers. Improv artists. Actors. In fact, frontman Jackson Rathbone just put his pretty mug all over the Twilight saga, as "vegetarian" vampire Jasper Hale. But don't be so quick to judge the boys' musical talent based on their movie roles. The guys like to switch up instruments, improve tons of their tracks, rock small crowds, and generally kick ass. Let's see Robert Pattinson do THAT.

Same in Any Language

Some quirky Ukrainian band covers Katy Perry's "Hot 'N' Cold", and I love on the accordion-driven track more than the original. They probably like kissing girls too.



Friday, April 10, 2009

Listen and Love

My Body is a Cage

We all might be re-enjoying "Wake Up" because of that cute as punch trailer for Where the Wild Things Are, but "My Body is a Cage" has been the Arcade Fire track on my repeat lately.

Divine

The exact word I would use to describe multilingual Sebastien Tellier's new song "Kilometer" is divine. There's no doubt in my mind that last year's Sexuality was off the hook. Production by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk fame probably didn't hurt. In conjunction with MGMT's Oracular Spectacular, it really did make 2008 the year of synthesizers. Now in 2009 I'm still finding new reasons to appreciate the French electro-pop conductor. Plus, you know I lose it when A-Trak lays his magic on anything.

Sebastien Tellier - Divine [mp3]
Sebastien Tellier - Kilometer (A-Trak Remix) [mp3]
One HOT piece

Sebastien and Mr. Oizo are like BFFs. It makes total sense, no?

Good, Friday I'm in Holy Week

I wouldn't classify myself as highly religious, but I can still observe Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (or whatever your beliefs may be) with some great tunes. P.T. = Paschal Triduum = Party Time? Sidenote: I chose a random picture because my photographic search of "Good Friday'" kind of scared me.

Here's all the tracks I've been loving on lately. Some old, some new, all radical.

Good, Friday I'm in Holy Week Mixtape

The Thermals - Now We Can See [mp3]
The White Stripes - Dead Leaves and The Dirty Ground [mp3]
Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al
Yeah I've got P Simon on here, but can you really hate on this song? WWJD?
Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance (Grandtheft Remix) [mp3]
Like anything LL, so much fun
IAMX - Kingdom of Welcome Addiction
IAMX ft. Imogen Heap - My Secret Friend [mp3]
Handsome Furs - I'm Confused [mp3]
Deerhunter - Never Stops [mp3]
Kings of Leon - Fans (Live on Radio One) [mp3]
I might love on this live version more than the original
Conor Oberst - Eagle on a Pole
Buy the new album when it comes out, you won't regret it

Come As You Are

This week (April 8th) marked the 15th Anniversary of Kurt Cobain's untimely death. It's hard to believe it was so long ago that the influential Nirvana frontman took his own life, leaving behind a wife, daughter, and promising career. I won't pretend to understand suicide, or get existential on y'all. I'll just put some classic Nevermind on and smell a little like teen spirit in Kurt's honor.

Nirvana - Come as You Are [mp3]
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live) [mp3]

Nirvana - Rape Me [mp3]
Nirvana - The Man Who Sold the World [mp3]

Besides Nevermind, Nirvana's Unplugged in New York has to be my most coveted release from the guys. My dad hooked me on it. We still sing along to their pitch-perfect covers of Bowie and The Vaselines.


Take a few hours to put on old flannel, blame shit on your parents, and generally get your teenage angst on. Or you could go out and see About a Son, the documentary of Kurt's rollercoaster life. I highly recommend both.

This is Not a Love Story, It's a Story About Love

Thanks to an anonymous friend out there, I was reminded of the amazing teaser trailer for 500 Days of Summer. Shorter than the official full-length I posted yesterday, but equally as powerful thanks to Temper Trap, and their single "Sweet Disposition." The Melbourne (and soon to be London) based band is beyond buzzworthy. Just this March they completed their debut album, rocked a bunch of US cities, and inspired a fan campaign to get them SXSW placement. After playing the bigger than life V Festival in Australia this month, they guys will head to Europe to promote both their new single "Science of Fear" and perhaps take over the world.



From the band's website:

The monumental ‘Science of Fear’ is the band’s debut UK single and is already registering spins on the BBC’S Radio 1 playlist, whilst also spending five consecutive weeks on Australian tastemaker station Triple J’s most played list. This eye of the perfect ‘musical’ storm contrasts markedly with the hypnotic and gliding melodic spell of ‘Sweet Disposition’, but is equally a watershed mark for the act and further confirmation of this band’s refusal to be stymied by genre, expectation or any such ties that bind so many others on this brilliant album.


Thursday, April 9, 2009

Sleep Alone

Middle School Moment Vol. 1

I'm cheating a little bit: I may have actually been in elementary school when the Sam Phillips smash "I Need Love" hit the airwaves. But it wasn't until sixth grade, a few years after it's 1994 release that I remember humming along to her haunting vocals on my way to school. Back before I owned my own extensive record collection, and in the midst of branching beyond my parents' taste, there was a lot of radio in my life. Mostly crappy, but some quality. Sam was one such serendipitous experience. I still love this song as much as I did 10 years ago.



Sam Phillips - I Need Love [mp3]

I need love not some sentimental prison
I need God not the political church
I need fire to melt frozen sleet inside me
I need love

LtK

It's Love, Not Santa Claus

I'm extremely hyped for the release of Sundance favorite, (500) Days of Summer. Not only do I love Joseph G-L and Zooey D, but their trailer lead-in is all about the greatness of The Smiths. Trailer Music thumbs up.



Included in the Trailer:
The Smiths - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out [mp3]
Regina Spektor - Us [mp3]
Hall and Oates - You Make My Dreams Come True [mp3]
Wolfmother - Vagabond

(500) Days of Summer is set to hit theaters July 24, 2009.

Apple Says:
Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love. Girl doesn’t. This post modern love story is never what we expect it to be — it’s thorny yet exhilarating, funny and sad, a twisted journey of highs and lows that doesn’t quite go where we think it will. When Tom, a hapless greeting card copywriter and hopeless romantic, is blindsided after his girlfriend Summer dumps him, he shifts back and forth through various periods of their 500 days “together” to try to figure out where things went wrong. His reflections ultimately lead him to finally rediscover his true passions in life.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

1000 Minutes Vol. 1

So I completely stole this idea from Totally Twitterpad, who borrowed it from the creators at Tympanogram. The Project: If you were stuck on a desert island and could bring with you precisely 1000 minutes of music on your mp3 player, what songs would you fill it with? We listen to so much music on a daily basis that sometimes appreciation and meaning are lost in translation. But what if you had only a limited, select amount of songs to love for the rest of your life? What would bring you the most joy, the most comfort, the best variety through your numbered days? Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions also has a similar running segment, where Jim and Greg trade off throwing tracks into their "Desert Island Jukebox".

So begins my 1000 minutes. I've decided to take it slow, and only knock songs off one or two at a time. It's easy to feel rushed or make selections based on emotional mood, so I'd rather my choices reflect true contemplation, in the spirit of the project's origins.

1. Otis Redding - That's How Strong My Love Is (2:27) [Time Remaining: 997.73]
I know I've raved about this one before, going so far as to call it perfect - possibly the greatest single recording I've ever owned. Otis was unbelievably talented, his career tragically short. I could listen to this one for hours on end because with each new listen he is more convincing, his emotion more palpable. I'm able to feel the physical weight of loving someone so much it hurts. This is a song for anyone who loves with every fiber of their being. It touches on our most basic human desire to be loved, yearned for, needed to the point of agony.

2. James Brown - Try Me [Live at the Apollo, 1962] (2:26) [Time Remaining: 995.47]
Although James Brown recorded four different Live @ The Apollo albums, the '62 recording with Brown's backing band, The Famous Flames was by far his best. Despite the simplistic lyricism of "Try Me," or perhaps because of it, I love this track in particular. What could have been a concise appeal from man to woman is transformed into this incredibly emotional lover's plea. Brown's charismatic stage presence and commitment to the material only make for an improvement of the track live. Sidenote: Brown financed the recording of this album completely on his own, without any inclination that the album would become a bestseller.

Thanks to Andy and Dave, as well as Jim and Greg for coming up with this great idea.

Helium Hearts

The latest release from Super Furry Animals, Dark Days/Light Years (March 30th) is both fun and complex. A welcome deviance from some of their previous work. Here's one I can't stop playing.

New in Town

You can now preorder the new single "New in Town" from Little Boots' website, in regular and super bundles. The first 500 copies of the latter will be signed by the electronic princess herself. The super bundle also comes with some sweet remixes by Fred Falke, Drop the Line, and Franz Ferdinand, among others.

"New In Town" will be available May 25 from 679/Atlantic Records in the UK. View the album artwork/preorder here.

Little Boots - New in Town (Fred Falke Remix) [mp3]
Little Boots - New in Town (GoldieLocks Remix) [mp3]
This one won't be on the single, so make sure to grab it

I'm gonna take you out tonight / I'm gonna make you feel alright / I don't have a lot of money but we'll be fine / Don't have a penny but I'll show you a good time,
LtK

I Just Want Four Walls

Official


Unofficial


I love on them both.

The Reeling

A new track from overnight success Passion Pit has leaked. "The Reeling" is the first single off their new album Manners. With a stellar EP already under their belts, expect big things from their full length release. I do.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Take Away Day

This is why I can't live without La Blogotheque. Take Away Shows make me believe in the joys of raw, organic composition; simplifying songs to find celebration. Like modern troubadours performing in the most creative of locations, participating artists like Lykke Li and El Perro del Mar are innocuously inspiring an artistic renaissance. Music: Meet the world. Production: Meet your maker. Collaborations/Split Series like these are rare, making this three song set all the more precious. Here is their cover performance of Wendy Rene's "After Laughter (Comes Tears)."



Check out the other two songs from the set here. Make sure to watch Lykke's "Dance Dance Dance." I'll only give you a one word enticement: Kazoo. If you haven't already explored the whole site, be warned. It will become your new addiction.

I'm Going on a Hunt

I'm going on a hunt for the Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band. I'm no wilderness buff and I don't even like shooting aliens in Halo, so lucky for me this is not that kind of venture. This search is less redneck, more shameless stalking. Local even, as MSHVB are straight out of this amazing city I call home. Stay tuned for a full piece on the quirky Seattle quintet in the next few days. They're moving on up past buzzworthy to full blown cool.

Sometimes even the rainy city can surprise you with it's warmth. Live @ the construction site of the soon to be reopened Crocodile, here's MSHVB performing "Going on a Hunt" for their One Shot at The Croc segment.




P.S. Their drummer (lead singer Benjamin Verdoes's adopted brother) Marshall is only 14. How much cooler are they now?

Flashing Lights Will Make You Blind

Mixtapes by Mick Boogie popped up twice on my iTunes DJ this morning. Since there are no big coincidences or little coincidences, just coincidences (Seinfeld, anyone?) I thought I might need to blurb about them.

First, Mick Boogie lays his magic on Grammy-Award winning Adele and her debut album, 19 in his 1988 mixtape. I love on it for the sole reason that sometimes even songbirds benefit from a beat. My favorites:


Mick and Terry Urban tear up the Grammy nominees on 2009: The Grammy Remix Album. Don't grab your best stationary though; there's nothing to write home about. Considering the talent pool this year (Jonas Bros, Katy Perry, Coldplay, John Mayer?) seems to me they do a decent job of hammering silver out of tin, mediocre out of ... well, you decide.

My highlight. Radiohead is always magic.

I won't go on another tirade about how the Grammys have gone downhill. I'll just submit a quick opinion for public record. Under no circumstances should The Jonas Brothers be allowed to attend the same awards show as Radiohead, let alone be nominated for a similar honor. Parents invented the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards for a reason. Some artists deserve Grammys and some deserve surf boards and green slime. I'm just sayin'...