Grand Ambitions

Beck Adds his shit to some shit...Arcade Fire release new vid...and Murdoch wants to make a film

I'm always fascinated by artists modes of work. Some produce insane amounts of work in such short spans of time (ie: Jack White), while some take a longer time to perfect their craft, be it representing their work through a more visual medium, or even just fine-tuning some stuff that's already been cut.

Either way, First, I'd like to talk about The Arcade Fire. After listening to The Suburbs, I was pleasantly surprised that they came out so strong, considering that to me The Neon Bible was a little of a disappointment. Not that it didn't have some good tracks, but the overall tone of the album was a little too modest than I'd like this band to be. But, then they came out with the 'burbs and my love was instantly re-instated. That said, the video for their new single, "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)," is fantastic. I've always loved Regine Chassagne's voice (Listen to "In The Backseat," and tell me you don't fall in love), and I like the various concepts of this video (muted colors, faceless people, suburban backdrops, etc.), and the timing is just perfect. Sorry, I'm a nerd for this shit. Either way, you can watch the video below:



In other news, Stuart Murdoch (singer-songwriter for Belle and Sebastian) is making a movie! Well, it has been in the works for some years, and the film is to be titled "God Help The Girl," which seems to be about his musical project started a few years ago, also called God Help The Girl. Most of the songs were covers of Belle and Sebastian material, sung by three girls that Murdoch recruited. The band was short-lived, only releasing one album and one EP. But, it was all done under the guidance of Murdoch himself in that he wanted the band to be dismantled before he made the movie, so that the focus of the film would be their time together. Pretty calculated. Here's a video below with Murdoch talking to producer, Barry Mendel, about the project.



Lastly, I know I've raved and raved about Feist's new album Metals, but I thought it was pretty note-worthy that Beck remixed her first single, "How Come You Never Go There." Now, I've never been too big of a fan of remixes, but if they are done well, who am I to turn them away. And in my wayward opinion, I think Beck is a genius. I like the original version better, but Beck's remix is snazzy take on the love-ridden track. Check It Out:

How Come You Never Go There (Beck Remix) by Feist

That's all. Peace.

What's New For Me is New For You

Some good shit on the horizon, and some stuff that's interesting to say the least.

Well, part of the joy of listening to music is reading about music. To me, that's one of the great parts. Maybe it's attributed to my love for Lester Bangs, or Josh Eels, but either way, music journalism is in itself a crazy conundrum of art. That being said, when you read about certain bands or certain things, it can bring out any particular emotion. DUH!

So, when I read that Kesha (and no, I'm not gonna do that stupid fucking money sign) is doing a cover of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright," perhaps one of my all-time favorite songs, I was a little bummed. I'm not going to lie. I am completely at odds with everything Kesha stands for. I don't find her to be a legitimate artist, and I basically almost vomited on myself when I first heard "Tik Tok." No joke. So, when I read this, it brought out the most monstrous form of hate that a pacifist can muster, which can be pretty monstrous, don't test me. But, once I heard her version of the song, I was humbly surprised. One, she actually has a decent singing voice. Two, she didn't put her bullshit pop spin to the track (which is what I thought she would do), and three, it's not terrible. It's not exceptional either. You can listen for yourself below.



In other music news, I am excited to learn that The Magnetic Fields are coming out with a new album. After I discovered The Charm of the Highway Strip some years ago, I've kind of been tracking Stephen Merritt's career. I didn't really listen to their last album, but Distortion was good. So, their new album is to be titled Love At The Bottom of the Sea, and you can view the tracklist here.

Also, it's made some music news that The Black Keys are not allowing their newest release, El Camino to be streamed online, and in an interview with VH1 News, they explain their decision. You can watch below.

Get More: Music Videos, Free Music Videos

That's all.

Born For Something

If you have nowhere to go, turn up that stereo.

Well, the blogosphere is going a little nuts with the release of Lana Del Rey's next single, "Born To Die." This is mostly due to the fact that her last song, "Video Games," made such a huge splash, and basically turned her into an internet sensation, garnering praise and negative backlash, as well as a slot on Later with Jools Holland (which pretty much bombed). Now, I am with the former in that I loved and still love "Video Games." I thought it was a refreshing tune, and I liked her sultry vocals over the piano and string arrangements. "Born To Die," sounds nice at first, but it doesn't hit quite as hard, and after hearing more of Del Rey's work on a demo a friend ripped, I was left with the feeling that she is one of those singers who is going to make a momentary mark in the music world and then fade away. Basically, at the heart of it, she's another Lily Allen. The spunk is there, but the ingenuity won't last.

I also heard a new track by french duo Air. The track is called "Seven Stars" and features Victoria Legrand (of Beach House). Now, I've said before that I'm not an electronic fan. The reason I chose to write about this song is because I cannot constantly write about music that I love because that's too one-sided. So, now I get to share a little hate with the world. I hate this track. The beat doesn't grab me, and the sonic overtones of the song just don't quite add up. It drones along, and has a random synth/voice sample that comes out of nowhere. And when Legrand comes in toward the end, it's too little too late. I'm sure electronic fans will jiz to it, but I'm not quite convinced. I like what they did in The Virgin Suicides though.

Here's a little tune I hadn't listened to in some time. It's one of my favorites.



More to come. Peace!

Making It Right!

Well, I'm just back home after a brief sting (8 days) in the NYC, and I had a blast with some of my oldest, best friends, and even though I was only there for a short duration, I find it difficult getting back to the day-to-day of Corpus Christi life. Oh well, I'll get used to it, or die in the process, but here goes nothing.

On a musical note, I didn't really get to listen to too much stuff while I was in New York, but the stuff that I did get to listen to was pretty good, as well as being pretty scattered. Most of it I don't recall the name of because it was heard in passing, but what I do remember is one song by Karen O and the Kids (done for the soundtrack of Where The Wild Things Are). It was playing in a bar called DRAM, and above all of the shouting/talking voices, and the bartenders sharing recipes, it was like a heavenly presence in the room letting everyone know that all of their nonsense wouldn't outlast the sound. Now, I've been listening to Karen O and the Kids trying to find that particular song.

On another Karen O note, I've been listening to her side project, Native Korean Rock & The Fishnets. It's fantastic. Most of the recordings I've heard have been on Youtube, and they are all rough sounding demos, but if you love Yeah Yeah Yeahs as much as I do, you probably won't care. Here's the video for my favorite song from them so far, called "Body,"



Also, while browsing in a thrift store in uber-hipster wonderland that is Williamsburg, I found a CD in a dollar bin by a band called Buttsteak. Yeah, so I bought it, only to discover that they are a pop-punk band from the early 90's. Awesome, considering I hate pop-punk bullshit, but I'm listening to it right now, and it's definitely something I could get used to. Plus, they also do a cover of "These Boots Are Made For Walking." So, they've got class.

Peace!

Love and Chaos

Where do you find a balance between the two? And what are the good jams to get you through?

Well, lately, I have been sort of monopolizing Grooveshark to the extent that I am constantly digging within their scraps for something that is going to move me, shake me, or just create some semblance of a stir. What I've gathered from their dismal landscape are two great artists. One, I've mentioned before. The other, not as yet (and shame me for it!)

I've been listening to the debut, self-titled album by Silver Apples, and it's great. I wouldn't put it on for a typical day of doing shit around the house, but it's good to listen to if you're in the mood for something different and a little unsettling. Yes, unsettling. There weren't many slow, feel-good jams, but there were interesting moments. I like "Oscillations" and "Dancing Gods," the best (at least so far).

The other album I've been listening to is Safe as Milk by Captain Beefheart. After hearing The Kills cover their song "Dropout Boogie," on the extended edition of Keep On Your Mean Side, I thought I should seek out the original version and see what the Kills saw in it. And, while the original version is good, the entire album is fantastic. It has my favorites: blues, psychedelic, spontaneity, etc. Let's just boil it down to the fact that it was a good find.

Also, I'm in search of good love songs. I'm not talking about the classics like The Everly Brothers or The Temptations. I'm talking about contemporary love songs. I feel as though people nowadays can't really write a good love song, or at least a song that hits and cuts deep. Adele's "One and Only" comes pretty damn close, but as far as contemporary stuff goes, some of my favorites include Jenny Lewis's "Trying My Best To Love You," Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' "Stick With Me Baby," Devendra Banhart's "Baby," Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Porcelain," and many more. But, I'm always up to more suggestions, so feel free to email or message some good ones if you read this.

After finally watching Blue Valentine, which was great, I was definitely taken aback by the sincerity and feel-good quality of this little gem, though it's probably old to most people. Like I said, I'm always behind and always ready to play catch-up. You can listen below. Peace.

A Cowboy with the Cramps...

An Interesting Take on the DIY of Instrumentals and a Re-Invention of An Old Classic

As I said in a post before, I have been kind of dipping into The Cramps album Bad Music for Bad People, and I have to say that one of my favorite songs on the album is "Uranium Rock," which is the last track. I've always been a sucker for last songs on albums because I always feel as if musicians try to go out with a bang, or at least try to leave you with something memorable. For this song, it's not necessarily memorable, but I like the approach of jingling coins in the beat of the song. I love it when bands put random sounds and noises in songs. Give me a good beat on a bucket, and I'm sold! Maybe that's why I like Cocorosie...either way. This is a good album to start off with if you've never really listened to The Cramps.

On another note, I recently heard a track of Karen O singing Willie Nelson's country hit "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys." It's an interesting cover, and the video poignantly portrays the plight of the American farmer. The song portrays a more solemn, sad tone than the original (of course), but it's still a listenable version, and Karen O is one of the most versatile and interesting front-women in music today. You can view the video below:



OH, and due to my Kills pandora station, I had the non-pleasure of hearing Charlotte Gainsbourg's song "Trick Pony," and I think it's safe to say that she should stick to acting. I loved her in Melancholia though.

That's all I got for tonight. Peace.

Closing Doors...

The Age-old art of moving on, with a little help of some friends.

So, living in Corpus Christi is proving to be something more than I expected. Without sounding too trite that this is "just what I needed," or any crap like that, it is (in a sense) a blessing in disguise in terms of what it has brought me. It has brought me time to breathe, time to sit in the sun and get blacker, and time to listen to the music that has helped me move on for years and years. So, I've made a little YouTube playlist of some of my favorite stuff that has struck a chord within the past few years. Some of it old, some of it a little newer, but most of it is what I consider great. Cheers!

Buddy Holly - Everyday



Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal



Joanna Newsom - Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie



Norman Greenbaum - Spirit in the Sky



Devendra Banhart - This is the Way

Killing Me Slowly...

I know I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The Kills are my favorite band. I know a lot of people don't like them, and a lot of people that think I have good taste wonder how such a mediocre band makes it into my #1 spot. Let's just say they speak to me like no other...

...blah blah blah...So, this brings me to my point. Don't you just love it when a band you're obsessed with comes out with new material, and you discover it without ever having realized it was there, and you just can't help but overplay it and love it for what it is??? Well, that just fucking happened...again. It's like the first time I heard their song "Superpowerless." It was a magical moment. Now, it's hearing their cover of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Set Free" and a B-side from their album Blood Pressures, called "Blue Moon." Both songs aren't stellar, but it's still good to hear something new from this blues-rock duo.

Also, I've been listening to Beck's The Information. I forgot how great this album is. And...I'm still overplaying Feist's new album as well as dipping into The Cramp's album Bad Music for Bad People. Let's just say my listening card is on overdrive at the moment. Oh, and not to mention, I've been throwing in a little MC5 for good measure. You can listen to the two aforementioned tracks by The Kills below. Peace.

Metals in the Afternoon

A bright sunny afternoon, and somewhat broken-hearted, I sit with pen in hand, trying to write songs of lament and sadness, but alas, all I can do is put Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright," on repeat, hoping that some of his lyrical genius and monumental provocations spill into me and help me with my sad little musings. But, no. That doesn't happen.

So instead, I opt for playing Feist's new album Metals, which (as I knew it would be) is brilliant. I want to say that it's probably her saddest and most haunting(?) album. Maybe that's not the best way to say it, but it definitely lacks some of the more youthful spontaneity of her previous releases. If you're looking for songs like "1234" or "Mushaboom," you probably won't find them here, but instead Feist grants us the pleasure of listening to the dynamic, beautiful presence of "The Bad In Each Other," the soft, solemn hymn that is "Caught a Long Wind," and the renegade bombardment of "A Commotion."

It's definitely her most daring effort, considering it's been four years since her last release, and she took an extended break from writing and creating music. Like any artist, it takes time to re-examine your place in the world, and find out what you want to say and the right medium and moment to say it. (I'm talking to you Fiona Apple!) I definitely recommend this album for Feist listeners or the human population in general. It beats the garbage on the radio...just saying.

Also, I ripped a friend's Gogol Bordello mix, and I'm pretty excited to get into that considering I've seen the band perform at ACL a few years back, and it was a fuckin' rad show. But, like any sunny day, it requires a spiffy tune to wash it down. So, I leave you with this little nugget. Peace!

Short But Sweeeet

It's been a little over a week since I've updated this thing, but it wasn't from a lack of trying, but more so, an entire uproot of my life, changing cities, changing careers, and ultimately just changing my general situation. But, one thing that doesn't change...my love in music.

After a dear friend posted a video of Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit singing a tribute of one of my favorite Patti Smith songs, "Dancing Barefoot," I took it upon myself to check these sisters out, and I'm glad I did. First Aid Kit is one of those groups that just gets under your skin, whether you want them to or not. The harmonization in their vocals, the sincerity of their words, and the connection from singer to listener just takes hold, and it's easy to become lost in their sound. Here's a video for their song, "Ghost Town."



Also, I recently bought Feist's new album, Metals, which I'm definitely excited to get into, since I expressed in a past entry how psyched I was that she was coming out with something new. I've only listened to two songs from it so far, and I can already feel a completely different vibe than the one that resonated on The Reminder, but I have a feeling that this album is going to be great, and I haven't even gotten a chance to fully dive into it.

That's all I got for today. Peace kids.