The Constant: Best LOST episode ever or best TV episode ever?

Seriously this episode of LOST had it all. I’m reminded of The Illusionaters catch phrase, “Prepare your mind, for a mind explosion!”, after watching the episode. Much of the time-travel sup-plot that we’ve had throughout the series is thrust front and center during “The Constant”, an episode which ties all the time-bending stuff together (including Desmond’s past two episodes) and answers tons of questions (as well as leaving many more interesting Qs) without leaving us with annoying time paradoxes.

The episode gives some hints to the meaning of easter egg phrases like “Lost Time” and “Only fools are enslaved by time and space” and explains things like Daniel Faraday’s card-trick game from last episode and possibly why he was crying about Flight 815. The whole thing feels a little bit like Back to the Future 2 on acid and further proves the importance of writing crucial messages on your hand. So, here’s the things I learned from last night’s LOST episode. Click ahead to read the recap. Spoilers and MP3s abound!

We can walk around, Kicking up the dust.

While I still enjoy Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin‘s debut album, Broom, their new album Pershing (to be released by Polyvinyl Records on April 8th), is a big improvement for the midwestern pop maestros. It’s got that jangly pop that fans have grown to love, and the melodies are still top-notch, but it’s the song arrangements and production where the band has grown in leaps and bounds.

The album starts with perhaps it’s catchiest tune, “Glue Girls”, which is about a guy pursuing a girl who’s inseparable from her twin sister, and thus unattainable. Who says pop songs have to be incredibly deep? The song is unapologetically upbeat and fun and has a melody that will no doubt be running through your head long after you’ve listened. Another track on the album that I can’t stop playing is “Think I Wanna Die”, a song that is much less emo than the title would suggest. In fact, the song has a bit of the reggae/african groove feel that Vampire Weekend utilized so well. The song’s numerous tempo shifts, the bouncy vocals, and the clean, sunny guitar riffs make the song go over very easy. It’s a perfect way to ease us into the spring season (which seriously couldn’t come sooner).

MP3 Glue Girls
MP3 Think I Wanna Die

Go to MOKB for another awesome SSLYBY track, “Modern Mystery”
Polyvinyl labelmates and musicforants.com fave, Headlights, made a video!

Oscar Recap Mix

I’ve always been a big fan of The Oscars. Not because I love watching movie stars or have any sort of celebrity obsession, just because it seems like it is the one award show that consistently gets it right. I remember totally geeking out when Lord of the Rings: Return of the King swept the awards a few years back, and seeing other favorites of mine like The Departed, Crash, Walk The Line, Little Miss Sunshine, take Oscars recently has always been nice. This year my favorite film, No Country for Old Men, deservingly took home the biggest awards, Juno got a nice little screenplay award, and the guy/gal from Once represented for indie artists and making art in general. So, yea, it was a good night, and as always there was a few surprises.

MP3 Okkervil River – Our Life Is Not A Movie or Maybe

Best Supporting Actor: Ziggy Stardust?

I was really surprised that Cate Blanchett didn’t win for her portrayal of Bob Dylan in I’m Not There considering the Oscars love affair with the actress. I was even more surprised, though, that David Bowie instead won the award in full Ziggy Stardust attire, and he didn’t bring his Spiders from Mars! Although to be my fair, my fiancee thought Tilda looked more like Conan O’Brien. I also haven’t seen Michael Clayton, but I guess she was pretty decent in that Narnia movie, so maybe I should let her freaky alien look slide.

MP3 Belle & Sebastian – Dylan in the Movies
MP3 David Bowie – Cracked Actor

Best Song: That guy from that indie band!

Probably the best moment of the night was seeing a legitimately talented artist win the Best Song award. And although Marketa’s moment was cut short by the orchestra it was really cool when, John Stewart, doing his Mr. Nice Guy thing, brought her back for a very memorable indie-appreciating speech. Very classy. I’ve heard this is the first time in history this has happened. Anyone know? Either way, Colin Farrell sure was smitten by the duo, led by Irishmen Glen Hansard. If you didn’t already know, Glen is the singer/songwriter from the band The Frames who are pretty great. Here’s their version of last night’s Oscar-winning track.

MP3 The Frames – Falling Slowly

Best Joke of the Night: It was a tie between John Stewart’s asteroid-hitting-the-Statue of Liberty joke and Jonah Hill/Seth Rogen’s “Halle Berry/Jame Judi Dench” intro. I loved when John Stewart mentioned that the only time we see a women president or black president is when a natural disaster (asteroid) is occurring primarily because it reminds me of The Onion article: Do We Really Want Another Black President After The Events of Deep Impact? The Seth Rogen/Jonah Hill thing was mainly funny because of Hill’s ad-lib, “it’s these Halle Berry hands” when he had trouble opening the envelope.

MP3 The Shins – A Comet Appears

Finally, did anyone see the crazy red carpet antics of Gary Busey at the pre-show. Busey storming into Jennifer Garner’s interview and yelling nonsense at Ryan Seacrest was both hilarious and kindof frightening. I loved Garner’s “who was that man?” thing too. What a charmer he is…

MP3 SOUND Team – Movie Monster

Cloud Cult: When Water Comes to Life

Even after making an album of incredible beauty and emotional resonance in The Meaning of 8 (which is Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good’s favorite album of 2007), the Minnesota collective hasn’t slowed down. In fact, the band plans on releasing another full-length entitled Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes), in April of this year. The band has released it’s first single upon us in all it’s lushly orchestrated, melodramatic baroque-pop goodness.

The title of the track is “When Water Comes to Life”, and it features a wide array of stringed instruments and H20 metaphors. The strings sound very Balkan (not unlike Devotchka) near the beginning but they eventually transition to a shimmering, majestic sound. The vocals, although they are particularly late in coming in, really make the song. Craig Minowa starts out singing solo but is progressively joined by a choir of angelic voices singing “All you need to know / Is you are made of water”, while a razor sharp guitar line accompanies the liquid revelation. Cloud Cult have done it again, folks.

MP3 Cloud Cult – When Water Comes to Life

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In this 1:30 second promo for Human Giant’s second season, 5 people are shot, people are beaten on multiple occasions, someone has their kidney forcibly removed, a guy is forced to drink gasoline, and Will Arnett makes two guys with what appears like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen masks on kiss each other. This is going to be the best season ever! While you’re at it check out a new sketch entitled “Viral Video” at the Forkcast. “Do you make a face like this when you urinate?”

And just for the record, I called that Kate’s kid was really Aaron the exact moment she mentioned she had a son. Such an obvious twist (in my opinion). Oh well, next week’s episode looks amazing.

You! Me! Dancing! (2006) vs. You! Me! Dancing! (2007) vs. You! Me! Dancing! (2008)

I first heard the song You!Me!Dancing by Los Campesinos! in the summer of ’06 and I was immediately blown away. It was on a demo EP titled Hold on Now Youngster. Since then the overly-energetic twee youngsters have released a new version of the song every year. Last year’s EP, Sticking Fingers Into Sockets, brought a complete overhaul/re-record of the song which ranked very highly on my top songs list. And just when we all thought they were satisfied with the song, this week their full length (which is, as the demo EP was, titled Hold On Now, Youngster…) has been released, and guess what? Yes, there’s another re-record/re-envision of the band’s penultimate track.

So what else can you do, except match the three versions against each other to find out what is the ultimate version of “You!Me!Dancing!”? First we examine the demo version:

MP3 Los Campesinos! – You! Me! Dancing! (2006 version – demo)

The opening build here is 1:14 seconds long before the main riff kicks in out of the wall of noise. The guitars have a kind-of quirky lo-fi sound but they’re still very clear. Hardly any distortion. Occasionally aspects of the song get lost in the mix, usually percussion. There’s a lot of talking/crowd noise at the end of the song, which adds to the songs quirkyness and makes it much more British (to me at least).

MP3 You! Me! Dancing! (2007 version – Sticking Fingers Into Sockets EP)

Essentially, the intro is the same in this version. Once the riff kicks in though, the guitar is noticeably more distorted/overdriven as well as faster. You can hear the bass riff a lot clearer in the mix and it sounds like more notes have been added to the guitar lines. The biggest difference otherwise is the addition of strings which have are now prominently featured in the bridge. There’s a much fuller sound overall. The extra instrumentation isn’t absolutely necessary but I think it fits the craziness of the track very well. There’s no crowd talk at the end. This is also the most concise version of the song clocking in at 6:14.

MP3 You! Me! Dancing! (2008 version – Hold On now, Youngster… LP)

The intro here is completely rehauled and 30 seconds longer than the previous versions. Once the actual build starts, it moves much slower and there actually sounds like a rolling tympani in the background to boost the noise level (which sounds sort of similar to a jet plane taking off). The guitars get much heavier and scratchier than in previous versions. Once the riff kicks in, it stays close to the EP version yet even more urgent and the fuller band dynamic is slightly intensified. This is the longest version of the song.

Conclusion: Very tough to decide between the there, because they all bring something interesting to the table. The full band sound is definitely a good thing on the last two, especially the strings addition but I have to say I like the guitar tone on the first version. I also love the quirky-talky stuff at the end (gives the song more character). Honestly, the new intro on the 2008 version doesn’t do anything for me, it’s just too much. Overall, for incorporating the better intro and for adding cool instrumentation like strings/extra guitar, and for being the best mixed, I give it to 2007 EP take as Los Campesinos!’ ultimate version of “You!Me!Dancing!”

Headlights – Some Racing, Some Stopping

Headlights have changed a lot since I last wrote about them. While their last album, Kill Them With Kindness, fit pretty nicely into the shoegaze-pop category, their new album, released today on Polyvinyl, is huge step in a different direction for the band (who are sort of like local heroes from where I come from). The band’s sound is still luscious and textured with gorgeous melodies and boy/girl harmonies and a noticeable upbeatness, it’s mainly the instrumentation that has changed. The reverb, drowning guitar sounds and are out and have been replaced with primarily acoustic and percussion instrumentation, and the new wavey keyboards have made way for the warm organ tones. Additionally, The band has added two more members, now becoming less of a “small band that packs a huge punch” and becoming more of a folk collective.

The album starts out with one of it’s best and brightest tracks, “Get Your Head Around It”, which effectively transitions the listener from the electric reverb of the first album to their current sound. The song really picks up midway, with bells, organ and a marching drum sound added and to end if off the band throws in some well-placed buh-duh-duhs and ooo-ooohs (the band really excells at syllabic melody carrying). The next track is the first single, “Cherry Tulips” and it’s a wonderful choice as an introduction to the album. I can’t help being reminded of early Rilo Kiley when I listen to this song, taking all the pop, folk, and alt-country influences and putting it in one scrumptious mix. Erin’s vocals are at their best here, and the harmonies during the chorus are absolutely perfect with the love-crazed “I want the sea / I want the whole sea / for you and me” lyrics. Once the slide organ starts, you’re just in indie pop heaven.

The album doesn’t let up after the first two standouts, with the light-on-its-feet-shuffle of “Market Girl” and the sugary-sweet 60’s throwback tune, “On April 2”. “School Boys” is a more drawn-out tune that features some wonderful guitar work and harmonies, as well as a gorgeous string arrangement for the ending. Two of the albums big standouts appear at the end of the of the album with “Catch Them All” and “Towers”. The former is actually quite danceable with a bouncy bass line and a quick moving rhythm, and Tristan does a wonderful job with the lead vocals here. The stunning guitar-led bridge gives you a taste of the feedback-heavy virtuosos that were featured in prior Headlights albums. “Towers” is a delicate, tasteful pop song that puts the keyboards/organ front and center and just gives you that warm, sunshiny feel all over (it also brings back those awesome strings).

In the end, while I was at first skeptical of the new direction for the band, Some Racing, Some Stopping Headlights pulling off their new sound amazingly. Just further proof that they’re one of most talented bands in the indie pop scene, or just making music period. I’m expecting this album to rank very highly for me come list-making time.

MP3 Headlights- Cherry Tulips
MP3 Headlights – Catch Them All

Buy Some Racing, Some Stopping, seriously

The Epochs

From all the promo albums I listened to this weekend, this one clearly stood out. The Epochs are one of the most unique and inventive bands I’ve heard in a long time. The band skillfully blends soulful pop sounds with electronic rave sounds, creating an album that’s incredibly diverse and listen able. It’s equal parts Postal Service, Klaxons and Jamie Lidell, that is to say that there’s plenty of stuff to love here. They’re self-titled debut is in stores tomorrow and you seriously can’t afford to let this one pass you by.

I was absolutely shocked by how outstanding the production values were on this unsigned band. The electronic arrangements are pristine and they sound wonderful on headphones. First single “Opposite Sides” is a great introduction to the band. The highly-falsettoed vocals and drum machine percussion might remind you a bit of The Knife, but the smooth strings and retro synth sounds land the song squarely in the sunny pop arena. Not content to stay in one place, the song is always changing adding more and different electronic backdrops as the song progresses.

“Thunder and Lightning” which is the album’s first track also portrays the need to always keep moving. The song is an industrial head-smasher with big guitars and intense drumming, while keeping a recognizable dance groove to control the madness. “Giving Tree” the album closer, is on the complete opposite spectrum, showing the band at their most soulful and accessible. The warm electronic backing here is perfect. The drums intensify as the song progresses until at one point they seem like they’re spinning out of control, and then they slowly disintegrate bringing the song full circle.

MP3 Opposite Sides
MP3 Thunder and Lightning
MP3 Giving Tree

Red of Tooth and Claw

I realize that I’ve been missing for the last four days, but I’ve been sick and haven’t felt like writing too much. Luckily, I’m on the up-and-up and I’ve gotten the chance to catch up on some new music so you can look forward to regular posting soon. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, onto some more important things… like the new Murder by Death album. The name of the album is Red of Tooth and Claw and from what I’ve heard so far it’s continuing along the same dusty, western path the band started down with In Bocca al Lupo, while implementing a fuller, heavier sound.

The first single from the album, which hits streets on March 4th of this year, is named “Fuego!” (which means “fire” en espanol). The song has that dark, gritty feel that comes with the territory for the band features a bit more of a dynamic range for Adam Turla’s always-improving vocals (although he’s still best when doing the Johnny Cash baritone). The band still make prominent use of cello/guitar interplay on the album, and they seem to be playing with time signatures a bit more, going towards a waltzy feel at times. After the first couple listens, I’d have to claim “Rum Brave” as my favorite track, simply because it’s the most furious, full-speed-ahead track on the album and the drumming kills on that song.

MP3 Murder By Death – Fuego!
MP3 Murder By Death – Rum Brave

Pre-order Red of Tooth and Claw

Brits Covering Brits

It seems to be quite the trend among the cool Britpop kids to cover each others songs, and I noticed the other day that I have a rather sizable collection of these UK-covering UK-ers. The rules of this mix is both both the coverer and the coveree have to be British (duh), and they have to be Modern (no Beatles/Stones/Kinks covers).

Particularly, I think the Lily Allen covers are bloody brilliant. It takes some talent to make me fancy a sodding Keane song. Kaiser Chiefs cover of Klaxons is also ace. Download them all below. Cheers! (Sorry, about my daft use of Brit slang, I know it’s a bit dodgy.)

MP3 Kaiser Chiefs – Golden Skans (Klaxons Cover)
MP3 Lily Allen – Oh My God (Kaiser Chiefs Cover)
MP3 Amy Winehouse – Valerie (Zutons Cover)
MP3 Arctic Monkeys – You Know I’m No Good (Amy Winehouse Cover)
MP3 Kate Nash – Fluorescent Adolescent (Arctic Monkeys Cover)
MP3 Lily Allen – Naive (Kooks Cover)
MP3 The Magic Numbers – Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand Cover)
MP3 The Miserable Rich – Over and Over (Hot Chip Cover)
MP3 Arctic Monkeys – Love Machine (Girls Aloud Cover)
MP3 Lily Allen – Everybody’s Changing (Keane Cover)

Have any more Brit covering Brit suggestions that aren’t complete rubbish? Send them my way!

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huh?

Death to Anders

After listening to a number of genre-bending, pop/folk/rock/electronica-style artists recently, it’s good to kick to week with a straightforward, no frills indie rock album and that’s what Death to Anders deliver with Fictitious Business. With the album, which is the second full-length for the L.A. band, they have essentially made a huge love letter to 90’s indie rock, (Pavement, Sonic Youth, The Pixies, particularly) and they pull it off very well. The album’s sound is unmistakably guitar-oriented with a nice balance between well-crafted melodies and noisy, distortion-filled rocking-out moments.

The band establishes their token sound from the first minute of the opening title track with layers of jangly guitar and keyboards weaving in and out, while the vocalist sings about “writing fiction out of sound”. The dynamic interplay of guitars during the noise jam of a bridge brings the song to dizzing heights (while giving a direct nod to Thurston and co.). The band’s first single and catchiest tune is “Camera Lens”, which creates a hazy atmosphere while the vocals have a chance to shine. The chorus is the highlight here, with it’s urgent guitars and cutting melodies. Buy Fictitious Business here.

MP3 Fictitious Business
MP3 Camera Lens