It’s been a while since I saw a music video that really caught my interest, but the colorful construction paper world shown here mixed with the gorgeous acoustic folk-pop of the Austin band, The Lovely Sparrows song is really exceptional. Created through use of paper machete backgrounds and stop-motion animation, the video provides beautiful images of nature, changing seasons and some truly organic instruments. The song pulls you in with its lovely finger-picked guitar and a peppy chorus that features handclaps and a flute. I got to hand it to the videoographers because they made a wonderful video for the song.
Month: August 2008
Gnarles Barkley – Live @ Lollapalooza
Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse, the duo who make up Gnarles Barkley, were the definition of style and class at the Lollapalooza. Sharply attired in matching khaki suits (that were complete with striped bow ties) and featuring a very youthful band in equally snazzy get-up, they won the best dressed contest hands down.
The music wasn’t half bad either though (actually quite good). Gnarles charged through songs like “Run”, “Smiley Faces” and “Going On” and laid it down real smooth for “Who’s Gonna Save Your Soul” and their mega-hit “Crazy”. Their was even a cover of Radiohead’s “Reckoner” which showed of Cee-Lo’s vocal prowess. Overall very fun set, I’m glad I finally got to see these guys.
MP3 Going On
Click the link below to check out some more of my Gnarles Barkley pictures.
Nonpareil of Favor
A musical journey through the four-movements of of Montreal‘s latest opus, “Nonpareil of Favor”. The first track off of the utterly incredible Skeletal Lamping.
00:00 – 1:09
Bouncy, melodic glam-funk with a harpischord. Like the second half of Hissing Fauna, just more urgency and in-your-face-ness (and catchier).
1:10 – 1:43
A druggy, Revolver-esque segue way from twangy muted guitars to loud, power chords. Features the line, “Now I’m so bugged out by your paradigm kisses.”
1:44 – 3:29
2 minutes of the brashest, noisiest thing that Of Montreal has ever done. For a second you’ll think it’s No Age meets Queen, but then it just becomes an orgy of uncontrolled sound. It’s pretty thrilling.
3:30 – 5:49
The feedback from the noise rock craziness is still present, but the huge drums have been replaced with tribal sounds and layered Beach Boys harmonies a la Panda Bear. Finishes with a precious sounding xylophone solo with guitar feedback still looming in the background, a fitting bookend to a surreal musical experience.
Contest: Win David Bowie – Santa Monica '72 Double Vinyl!
About the Prize:
In 1972, David Bowie released the landmark album, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and embarked on his first US tour. Bowie was at his creative peak and his performance in Southern California, which was recorded for a FM broadcast and bootlegged years before being released, is considered to be the best has ever been captured by Bowie (even more than the officially released David Live! and the Ziggy Stardust soundtrack). The recording was so legendary among fans that a David Bowie biographer went as far to say that possessing a copy was the test of a true Bowie fan.
After listening myself, I can attest that the songs truly come alive on this recording. Tracks like “Width of a Circle” and “Andy Warhol” that I paid little attention to before now stand out and songs I’ve heard hundreds of times like “Changes” and “Ziggy Stardust” are played with an increased intensity of a young, passionate group trying to earn their place in rock and roll history.
Reviews:
Rolling Stone Review (5 out of 5)
Pitchfork Review (7.7)
NME Review (8 out of 10)
Contest Rules:
So the million dollar question is how do you win the double vinyl set? To enter you have to reply to this post and tell me what your favorite David Bowie song is and why. I’ll choose what I think is the best, most convincing response and then contact you to get your mailing address. This means that you have to supply me an email address as well in order to be eligible to win. This is a fabulous prize, especially for the vinyl collectors and David Bowie fans out there who consider this the holy grail of David Bowie performances. Not to mention the fact (as you can see by checking amazon) that purchasing the album would set you back a pretty penny, you’re getting quite a good deal here. The contest will be open for two weeks which should give you plenty of time to write your entry.
MP3s:
MP3 David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust
MP3 David Bowie – Life on Mars
and just for fun:
MP3 Flight of the Conchords – Bowie
Click “Talk to Me” at the bottom of this post to reply.
Cover: Max Vernon – I Kissed A Girl
I realize that most people are trying to get far, far away from “I Kissed A Girl” at this point, but I think it’s worth risking the song being stuck in your head to listen to this awesome cover by up-and-coming artist, Max Vernon. I got a hold of this track after I got an email from Max promising me that his music isn’t the same unremarkable, boring crap I am normally sent all the time, and he was absolutely right. He has a unique style that is something like Regina Spektor’s music mixed with Patrick Wolf’s vocals. All of his songs are piano-based and his Katy Perry cover is no exception.
Not only is there the novelty of hearing a guy singing the psuedo-lesbian lyrics, but the song is improved on in the first half by stripping the sound down to classical piano and Max’s striking vocals. The second half of the cover transitions into a electro/jazz/doo-wop hybrid that actually works much better than it has any right to. The true artistry of Max though, lies in his original compositions such as on the uplifting and enchanting “When Your Body Breaks”. The track shows that beyond a great voice and some impressive musical ability, Max Vernon has some songwriting genius in him. Further proof, of Max’s skill to create a memorable melody can be seen in the bouncy, playful “Hypochondriac Blues”.
MP3 Max Vernon – I Kissed A Girl (cover) (link removed by request, listen here)
If you like the cover (or even if you didn’t), I highly recommend you check out these songs:
MP3 Max Vernon – When Your Body Breaks
MP3 Max Vernon – Hypochondriac Blues
Iron & Wine – Live @ Lollapalooza
Iron & Wine’s music isn’t perfect for a festival setting, I would much prefer watch the band in a small club or theatre where I could sit and examine every part of their intricate sound being created and be able to admire Sam Beam’s angelic vocals. The band did their best though to engage the crowd, by playing a majority of songs from their most recent (and most upbeat album) The Shepherd’s Dog. The highlight was seeing complex songs like “House By The Sea” and “Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car” being performed live, as well as an updated version of personal favorite, “Love and Some Verses”. I’m hoping next time I see the band, though it’s in a environment more suitable to their lovely sound.
Click the link below to see some more Iron & Wine @ Lolla pictures.
Wilco – Live @ Lollapalooza
I decided that instead of risking serious injury at the Rage Against the Machine, I’d stick around at the Bud Light stage to see Wilco. Turns out I was right, not only are Wilco fans some of the nicest, most non-agressive people in the world but the band was at the top of it’s game. The band stepped out on stage with some old-fashioned Nudie suits, noting later that Radiohead was great but they didn’t look like they did any sewing beforehand. My favorite thing about Wilco’s set was that is was completely different than the last time I saw them (which also was at a big festival). I can probably count the number of songs that they played at both on one hand. They even busted out a new song called “One Wing” which ended with a killer Nels Cline solo.
The band played a good mixture of tunes, picking a few highlights from all their album as not to disappoint fans of any Wilco era (early fans had a lot to be happy with with three Being There songs were played and even a track from A.M.). Nels Cline was on fire, which was especially showcased on “Impossible Germany”, “Handshake Drugs”, and the unbelievably magnificent (and over 10 minute long) “Spiders (Kidsmoke)”.
One track that I was pleasantly surprised to see was “Pot Kettle Black” one of the many wonderful tracks on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot that doesn’t seem to get it’s due. One of the set highlights occured after a trademark Nels Cline shredding session, when someone from the crown yelled “Nels…. Adopt Me!”. The band’s superb performance, plus the fact that it was a beautiful Chicago evening, and they played in front of a diehard, hometown crowd made it a very special night.
Follow the jump to see some more Wilco pictures (or check them all out here).
Broken Social Scene – Live @ Lollapalooza
Last year, I saw stripped down Broken Social Scene during the Kevin Drew solo tour and I quite enjoyed myself, but wasn’t blown away so the prospect of seeing them with full band was definitely exciting. Those few extra members and the addition of Amy Milan from Stars made all the difference. The show was outstanding from the opening instrumental number “Pacific Theme” and the anthemic “Cause=Time” (both from You Forgot It In People) to songs from Brendan Canning’s solo album (“Hit The Wall” and “Love is New” which both sounded great).
The most interesting thing about watching Broken Social Scene, is that there are so many people on stage and they each have their own interesting quirks and personalities that can be seen in the way they play their instrument, their stage movement, and even the way they dress (many have noted Brendan’s funky tank top). BSS really is a cumulation of individuality and charisma which is what makes them so entertaining to watch. It doesn’t hurt that the music is so good either. The first big highlight was when Amy Milan stepped out on stage (I was worried after the first three songs that none of the ladies made it) and the band completely tore into “7/4 Shoreline”.
The show didn’t let up from that point, with the majority of the songs played being from the band’s self-titled album including “Major Label Debut” and “Fire Eyed Boy”. Kevin Drew is known for some interesting crowd banter, so I was surprised at how eloquent and coherent he was in between songs, whether it was telling the crowd that they at the elections in Novemeber they were voting for the world or in his encouragment for the crowd to hold a long note before the band’s final song, an earth-shattering performance of “It’s All Gonna Break”. The explosive climax saw all 10 members on the stage, playing their instruments like their life depended on it.
MP3 7/4 Shoreline
Click the link below some more great shots of Kevin, Brendan, Amy, and co.
Continue reading “Broken Social Scene – Live @ Lollapalooza”
From The Mountain To The Sea
Ever wonder what Birdmonster are up to? The band shared the blog buzz spotlight with Tapes n’ Tapes and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah way back in ’05, had some great singles, and then disappeared from the scene for a couple years. Well, the long wait might just pay off for the band, I just received their new album, From The Mountain To The Sea, and it’s full of catchy, refreshing pop songs that sees the band shift focus from angular guitar rock to a jangly, Americana sound. It’s a welcome change for me; my favorite song from the band’s debut album was “Spaceman”, primarily for the folky, hand-clappy bridge in the song. Their sophomore release explores this sound on a much wider scope.
The first single for the album, is “Born To Be Your Man” and it’s a cheery pop song with hints of alt-country and britpop and an engaging melody. The acoustic shuffle of the intro mixed with the sunny guitar line hooks you right into the song. I can’t help of thinking of Band of Horses’ “Weed Party”, when I hear the opening guitar riff on “New Country”. Considering how much I enjoy that song though, it’s definitely not a bad thing. The song continues with some nice guitar interplay and a loud, boisterous climax. From The Mountain To The Sea is out for digital download now and will hit stores in early September.
MP3 Born To Be Your Man
MP3 New Country
Spank Rock feat. Amanda Blank – Live @ Lollapalooza
Due to some unfortunate scheduling, I wasn’t able to catch all of Spank Rock’s set at the Citi Stage, but I’d be lying if I said the 3 or 4 songs I saw wasn’t some of the most fun I had all day. I think that in terms of bringing crazy dance parties to the stage Spank Rock ranks just below Girl Talk. The pictures really say it all here. The whole crew was having a great time laying down the electro / hip hop beats, rapping the extremely raunchy verses, and dancing all over the stage. Naeem Juwan, the lead MC, is especially fun to watch, bringing a ton of energy and charisma to the show.
The show should really have been labeled as Spank Rock with Amanda Blank, because the Philly female rapper performed quite a few of her own tracks in between the group’s songs. I can’t say I minded, not only did she provide some formidable eye candy for the crowd but she is a obviously talented MC. One interesting note is that Lindsay Lohan dropped by to check out the show (which Naeem noted before playing “Lindsay Lohan’s Revenge”). The highlight of the show, was the closing track when Naeem and Amanda split verses on the band’s salad-selling hit, “Bump” which was mixed with the chorus of Lil Wayne’s “Go DJ”.
MP3 Bump
Follow the jump by clicking below to see more of my Spank Rock pictures.
Continue reading “Spank Rock feat. Amanda Blank – Live @ Lollapalooza”
Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good 