The Sleepy Jackson is the Australian psychedelic group formed by Luke Steele, the frontman of Empire of the Sun. "Good Dancers" is the opening track on the band's debut album Lovers. The song features guitar work that seems to sing throughout the track as it compliments Steele's voice. The repeated lyric "Don't always dream for what you want" makes you feel as if you are in a dream when listening to this track.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
VIDEO: Bon Iver's 4AD Session
SONG OF THE DAY: Big K.R.I.T - "King Pt. 2"
Big K.R.I.T followed up "KING" with a part two, once again talking about social issues over the Just Blaze-produced 'Lord Knows' instrumental. I really don't know who could dislike Big K.R.I.T he is consistently putting out new music that is way too under appreciated. He is undoubtedly one of the most talented, intelligent, and well spoken artists around. Once again he left us satisfied with his southern influence.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
SONG OF THE DAY: Breakbot - Summerparty
Breakbot is Thibaut Berland, the Electro-funk DJ/Producer hailing from France. On this track, "Summerparty" from first release, Happy Rabbit EP, he proves that sometimes glitchy can work. That is, if it is well produced. And I sincerely state that I am sure no one can truly say that this track isn't incredibly well assembled. All of it's parts work cohesively with the in and out dance beat parlayed with the drifting background synths. He'll be at Coachella, so give it a listen, and imagine having it on at a dance party in the middle of a hot San Diego spring afternoon.
TOURS: The Beach Boys
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the Beach Boys are reuniting this year. Check out their tour dates below compliments of CoS including a stop at Bonnaroo.
04/24 – Tucson, AZ @ Anselmo Valencia Ampitheater
04/26 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
04/27 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz Fest
04/29 – Raleigh, NC @ Raleigh Ampitheater
05/02 – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Ampitheater
05/04 – Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
05/05 – Tampa, FL @ David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
05/08 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theater
05/09 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theater
05/11 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Bendum Center for the Performing Arts
05/12 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
05/13 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
05/15 – White Plains, NY @ Westchester County Center
05/17 - Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Events Center
05/19 – Atlanta City, NJ @ Borgata Hotel Casino
05/21 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
05/27 – Las Vegas, NV @ Red Rock Casino
06/01 – Berkley, CA @ Greek Theatre
06/02 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
06/08 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
06/10 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music Festival
06/13 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
06/15 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
06/16 – Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
06/17 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
06/19 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Ampitheatre
06/20 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
06/22 – Bangor, ME @ Waterfront Park
06/23 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
06/26 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion
06/29 – Darien Lakes, NY @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
07/01 – Milwaukee, WI @ Markus Ampitheater (Summerfest)
07/03 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live
07/10 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Ampitheatre
07/13 – Woodinville, WA @ Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
07/14 – Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Ampitheater
07/15 – Stateline, NV @ Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Ampitheater
04/26 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
04/27 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz Fest
04/29 – Raleigh, NC @ Raleigh Ampitheater
05/02 – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Ampitheater
05/04 – Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
05/05 – Tampa, FL @ David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
05/08 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theater
05/09 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theater
05/11 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Bendum Center for the Performing Arts
05/12 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
05/13 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
05/15 – White Plains, NY @ Westchester County Center
05/17 - Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Events Center
05/19 – Atlanta City, NJ @ Borgata Hotel Casino
05/21 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
05/27 – Las Vegas, NV @ Red Rock Casino
06/01 – Berkley, CA @ Greek Theatre
06/02 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
06/08 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
06/10 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music Festival
06/13 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
06/15 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
06/16 – Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
06/17 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
06/19 – Toronto, ON @ Molson Ampitheatre
06/20 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
06/22 – Bangor, ME @ Waterfront Park
06/23 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
06/26 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion
06/29 – Darien Lakes, NY @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
07/01 – Milwaukee, WI @ Markus Ampitheater (Summerfest)
07/03 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live
07/10 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Ampitheatre
07/13 – Woodinville, WA @ Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
07/14 – Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Ampitheater
07/15 – Stateline, NV @ Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Ampitheater
NEWSIC: Yellow Ostrich
Multi-tasking is incredibly difficult. That's why Alex Schaaf is incredibly talented. He is the man behind Yellow Ostrich. Well he and his drummer, Michael Tapper. The sounds and ideas behind the band however, are Schaaf. And so are the guitars, samples, synths, and every other sound besides the drums emitting from the speakers when they perform. This guy isn't necessarily new however. In fact, I have 45 of their songs in my library. You can even grab every single one, as I did, from their Bandcamp page… Just name your own price. They have a new record coming out, on March 6th, entitled Strange Land. You can grab the free download of their tune "Marathon Runner" below.
However, I would like to focus on my favorite track from their previous releases, "Whale." It is their most popular, and deservedly so. It's a genuinely good track for countless reasons. Rather than focus on the music, which you can hear for yourself in all it's goodness below, I want to focus on the multi-tasking. I included the picture above, from their NPR KEXP Session (which you can download HERE), because it shows the talent that goes into Schaaf's act each and every song. If you listen to the studio version vs. the KEXP session version, there is little difference. Not only does Schaaf's voice sound just as good, but each instrument is even played… Even though there is only a guitarist and a drummer. As you can see above, he only has a guitar and keyboard in front of him. How does he play the bass? Those foot pedals you see below. How does he play samples? Even more foot pedals. All while playing guitar and setting the loops from the keyboard. You tell me if you can do that?
REVIEW: Tennis - Young and Old
Grade: 80% (B-)
If you came upon Tennis' second album looking for cute indie-pop, then you will get exactly what you came for. This album, much like last year's Cape Dory, is carefully constructed indie-pop that will surely catch your ear and make you want to tap your foot. The couple turned trio does a good job maintaining many of the elements from their debut while also expanding their sound in slight ways.
The components of Cape Dory are all still present on Young and Old, however, it is a little sharper and jarring. Alaina Moore sings with more authority and sturdiness, and assists this with her lyrics. While her voice is just as youthful and lovable, her lyrics are more thoughtful and though-provoking than the debut. On the opener, "It All Feels the Same," she sings, almost with pain in her heart, "tired of waiting around for you to intervene. tired of wishing that you even knew what i mean." There are bits of emotional flares like this, but no single moment which sticks out as a defining moment on the record.
The rhythms take you seemingly back to the 50s and 60s with Patrick Riley's (husband of Moore) guitar work moving up and down the fretboard seamlessly and in a charming fashion. While his guitar maintains the pop-feel of the record, the bass on songs like "Petition," the brass on "Origins," and underlaying synths on "Traveling," are what make this effort a little different from their first. All the while, Moore stands firm in front of her keyboard, pushing the songs along with her steady piano chords.
Recorded and produced by the Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, the album shows strong mixing. Most notable is their ability to layer the background vocals in with the lead vocals. On "Petition," there is a dueling aspect to three different kinds of vocals that Carney swerves about each other and affects with different tools in order to give the listener the idea that they are hearing three different women singing.
At the same time however, most of the songs sound very similar. While certain choruses and riffs stand out, the album sways very little from it's intended genre on a track-by-track basis. In that sense, the track listing is seemingly unimportant. No single track really stands out on its own as a "key track," and this seems to fault the trio and does not help gaining more respect for their sound.
The album is neither excellent nor poor. Instead, like many others from it's genre, it is a vigilantly written and recorded record which contains many songs that can be added to your casual playlist, but none that can be added to your favorite playlist. These are easy listening tracks, and with a little help, a track or two might touch you with their lyrics and become a favorite. In all likelihood however, a few of these tracks will get mixed into your dinner party background music rather than a friends new mix tape.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
SONG OF THE DAY: Bon Iver - "Holocene"
This one goes out in dedication to Bon Iver's grammy winning self-titled album. Justin Vernon has come a long way since those magical three month's he spent in Wisconsin.
There is not much that needs to be said about this wonderful track. Just put on some headphones, close your eyes.... and enjoy.
NEWS: TV Schedule Week of 2/13/12
Monday February 13th
The Civil Wars (Barton Hollow) on Leno
Lana Del Rey (Born to Die) on Kimmel
Wednesday February 15th
The Drums (Portamento) on Fallon
Walk the Moon (Anna Sun EP) on Carson Daly
Thursday February 16th
CAKE (Showroom of Compassion) on Conan
Dr. Dog (Be the Void) on Carson Daly
Friday February 17th
M83 (Hurry Up, We're Dreaming) on Carson Daly
Saturday February 18th
Sleigh Bells (Reign of Terror) on SNL
The Civil Wars (Barton Hollow) on Leno
Lana Del Rey (Born to Die) on Kimmel
Wednesday February 15th
The Drums (Portamento) on Fallon
Walk the Moon (Anna Sun EP) on Carson Daly
Thursday February 16th
CAKE (Showroom of Compassion) on Conan
Dr. Dog (Be the Void) on Carson Daly
Friday February 17th
M83 (Hurry Up, We're Dreaming) on Carson Daly
Saturday February 18th
Sleigh Bells (Reign of Terror) on SNL
VIDEO: St. Vincent on "Gossip Girl"
Check out Annie perform "Cruel" from last year's awesome Strange Mercy while Blake Lively looks better than ever.
TOURS: Jack White
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
NEWSIC: 2:54
Dark like the xx and brawny like St. Vincent, the Thurlow sisters which lead the English band 2:54 are increasing my reputation for female indie rockers. On the title track from their Scarlet EP, the two craft strong guitar work around strong and lavish lyrics. Check out the track below and download their EP now.
REVIEW: Porcelain Raft - Strange Weekend
Grade: 84% (B)
I've dug myself into the trenches of the ambient/chillwave/synth pop genres in the past half a year or so. I've found myself fond of Washed Out, Neon Indian, M83, and countless other groups representing those genres. While they each have their own unique sound to them, I have discovered that Mauro Remiddi, the only member of Porcelain Raft, is the one of the best representatives of the brands as a whole.
Remiddi himself refers to his music as "sleepwalking pop," which I can understand entirely. I could sleep with this album on repeat for days on end. It is that relaxing. However, in the same vein it has some very dance-ish elements to it. Recorded entirely by Remiddi himself, Strange Weekend is put together in the most optimum of fashions. The music is shaped around rhythms and strong synths while many songs feature acoustic guitar work that perfectly heightens the passive mood of the record.
His vocals and the samples of other vocals take a minor role yet he sings with sincere feelings. He touches on emotions we can all recount on the appropriately titled, "Unless You Speak From the Heart." On "Put Me to Sleep," a breezy track whose pulsating vibes might as well sooth you so a slumber, he sings 'did you tell your friends how much you miss them?'
This earnestness is found throughout the album and is reminiscent of those lyricists/vocalists you grew up with. With further thought, there is somewhat of a James Murphy attitude going on here. It's as if he's a one man team writing about whatever he wants and evoking it with whatever music he wants. He has no rules and doesn't care what people think about his music. Instead, he's just making it because it's what he loves to do.
This music is soothing and deep and certainly heartfelt. Along side Trevor Powers of Youth Lagoon, Remiddi is certainly the closest thing to a one man show like that of James Murphy that we have today. While he certainly isn't up to Murphy's level, this album certainly sticks out in a genre which is full of many like it. Much like those similar records, this one wraps you in it's warmth while making you think about it's real emotional depth.
DOWNLOAD: Beach Fossils - "Lessons"
Beach Fossils will release the single "Shallow" on February 21st and you can now download the B-Side "Lessons" using the link below. (via P4K)
TOURS: Yellow Ostrich
Strange Land is due out March 6th. Listen to "Marathon Runner" here.
03-03 Allston, MA @ Great Scott
03-04 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
03-06 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
03-07 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room at The Crofoot
03-08 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
03-09 Madison, WI @ Der Rathskeller
03-10 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
03-11 Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club
03-12 St Louis, MO @ The Gramophone
03-15 - 03-18 Austin, TX @ SXSW
03-19 Tucson, AZ @ Solar Culture
03-20 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
03-21 Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theatre
03-23 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
03-24 Arcata, CA @ The Depot at Humboldt State
03-26 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
03-27 Vancouver, Canada @ Media Club
03-29 Nampa, ID @ Flying M Coffee
03-30 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
03-31 Denver, CO @ Hi Dive
04-02 Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
04-10 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's
04-11 Washington, DC@ Black Cat Backstage
04-12 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
05-25 - 05-28 George, WA @ Sasquatch Music Festival
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
REVIEW: Lana Del Rey - Born to Die
Grade: 63% (D)
Countless reviews of Lana Del Rey's "debut" full length Born to Die already open with a discussion of her rise to stardom. We're gonna skip that. We're gonna skip that, and her SNL bomb, and everything LDR-media/hype related. The sad thing is, when you finally do get to listen to Born to Die, you realize that all of the bullshit was for good reason.
Not the positive hype that is, but the hate. Lana's (or Lizzy's?) newest release comes at you with the lyrical integrity of what we expect Miley Cyrus to be releasing in about three years. While I lived with the controversy over the title track's line "kiss me in the pouring rain," I can't deal with around 99% of the rest of her lines. I'm not sure where she lost me. Maybe it was the rapping about the Hamptons, Bacardi, and a guy's inability to keep his pants on because of her on "National Anthem." Or maybe it was the 7-Eleven reference on the aptly titled "Diet Mountain Dew." That's aptly because nobody likes Diet Mountain Dew. She even sings "kiss me hard" on a completely different track.
Lana's poor attempt at lyrics signal towards a few things. A quick glimpse at the lyric-sheet while you spin the record and you immediately know where she thinks her career is heading. The music and lyrics are guided towards the pop audience that could blow up an attractive female with a voice like Lizzy's. She is mixing her hip-hop influence music with her attempt at "edgy" lyrics. It's as if she is hoping to gain the respect from the majority of Americans after they were scared off by the actually genuine lyrics of her smash hit "Video Games."
We're not buying Lana's edginess though. It's too forced. It's too forced in the way that when I hear her songs, I think that this is something that a naive suburban mom would like. The motives behind her lyrics are really that bad. She wants us to think she smokes drugs and parties late at night, but she also wants her men to take care of her and dote on her wishes. On top of this, she sings like a whiny little bitch most of the time. Instead of coming off as a strong and insightful girl from Brooklyn like she wants us to believe, she instead comes off as a needy 20-something who refuses to stop acting like a little girl.
So that's harsh I know. But even besides the lyrics, the track listing and length is all out of whack. With a massive 15-song set, she opens with six, count them six, tracks we have heard a taste of before, and then sends us into a spiraling oblivion of relatively unknown and forgettable tracks. It's sad too because even through the lyrical follies, built around the strength of "Video Games" these six tracks could make a strong EP.
The strings are definitely strong, and some of the beats and rhythms are likable. But in the end, this album isn't buyable and neither is Lana's attitude and personality. I concede that the haters were right, it was too good to be true. Lizzy (fuck that alter ego) took advantage of the system and now is reaping the benefits with album sales while taking a hit of respect because people are beginning to realize she is no good out of the studio. Maybe I am a little too harsh, but these lyrics have gotten to the point where they make me angry. See the song (terrible title and theme in all), "This is What Makes Us Girls," when she whispers, "pabst blue ribbon on ice." You're not a fucking hipster Lizzy, stop acting like it and go record a collaboration with Kanye before you are out of the spotlight.
LYRICS: Youth Lagoon - "Seventeen"
From 2011's The Year of Hibernation.
Rowing the campground up by the lake where we swam.
We were hunting for snakes,
but we couldn't find them.
Surrounded by nothing,
but the nothing's surrounded by us.
But it's just me in my room,
with my eyes shut.
When I was seventeen,
my mother said to me
"Don't stop imagining. The day that you do is the day that you die."
Now I pull a wanton carriage,
instead of the horses, grazing along.
I was having fun.
We were all having fun.
My brain kicking faster than I can,
but not fast enough.
Who is there to talk to
that won't lock me up?
At least God doesn't judge me by the thoughts that I find,
the snakes I couldn't find,
I don't want to find.
When I was seventeen,
my mother said to me
"Don't stop imagining. The day that you do is the day that you die."
Now I pull a wanton carriage,
instead of the horses, grazing along.
I was having fun.
We were all having fun.
We were hunting for snakes,
but we couldn't find them.
Surrounded by nothing,
but the nothing's surrounded by us.
But it's just me in my room,
with my eyes shut.
When I was seventeen,
my mother said to me
"Don't stop imagining. The day that you do is the day that you die."
Now I pull a wanton carriage,
instead of the horses, grazing along.
I was having fun.
We were all having fun.
My brain kicking faster than I can,
but not fast enough.
Who is there to talk to
that won't lock me up?
At least God doesn't judge me by the thoughts that I find,
the snakes I couldn't find,
I don't want to find.
When I was seventeen,
my mother said to me
"Don't stop imagining. The day that you do is the day that you die."
Now I pull a wanton carriage,
instead of the horses, grazing along.
I was having fun.
We were all having fun.
NEWS: Album Releases of February 7th, 2012
Air - Le Voyage Dans La Lune
Ben Kweller - Go Fly A Kite
Blondes - Blondes
Dr. Dog - Be the Void
of Montreal - Paralytic Stalks
TOURS: Explosions in the Sky
04/05/12 Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theatre
04/06/12 Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theatre
04/07/12 Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
04/08/12 Missoula, MT @ The Wilma Theatre
04/11/12 Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre
04/12/12 Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory
04/13/12 Indio, CA @ Coachella
04/16/12 San Francisco, CA @ Palace of Fine Arts
04/20/12 Indio, CA @ Coachella
04/22/12 Flagstaff, AZ @ The Orpheum Theatre
04/24/12 San Antonio @ Backstage Live
05/25/12 George, WA @ Sasquatch Fest
NEWS: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Announce Album
"Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are just about ready to follow up their 2009 smash debut, Up From Below. According to an issued press release, the band will release their as-yet-untitled sophomore LP on May 29th via Community Music/Vagrant. Self-produced by the band, the album was recorded in Bogalusa, Louisiana and Ojai, California." (via CoS)
03/14 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
03/15 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
03/18 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
03/20 – Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater
03/21 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
03/22 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
03/23 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kingsbury Hall
05/31-06/02 – Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Music Festival
03/15 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
03/18 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
03/20 – Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater
03/21 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
03/22 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
03/23 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kingsbury Hall
05/31-06/02 – Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Music Festival
TOURS: Tennis
Tennis will tour in support of their upcoming album Young and Old, which is due out next Tuesday February 14th. Check out the dates below and stream their album via P4K.
02-09 Paris, France - Point Ephémère
02-10 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
02-11 Ostend, Belgium - Zwerver Cafe
02-13 London, England - Hoxton Bar And Kitchen
02-16 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
02-22 Omaha, NE - Slowdown
02-24 Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon
02-26 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
02-27 Indianapolis, IN - Radio Radio
02-28 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
02-29 Toronto, Ontario - Horseshoe Tavern
03-02 Allston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
03-03 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
03-05 Music Hall of Williamsburg
03-06 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
03-07 Washington, DC - Black Cat
03-09 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
03-10 Atlanta, GA - The Earl
03-11 Orlando, FL - Orange You Glad Festival
04-24 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
04-26 Seattle, WA - The Crocodile
04-27 Vancouver, British Columbia - Biltmore Caberet
04-28 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
04-30 San Francisco, CA - The Independent
05-02 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
05-03 San Diego, CA - The Casbah
05-04 Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
02-10 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
02-11 Ostend, Belgium - Zwerver Cafe
02-13 London, England - Hoxton Bar And Kitchen
02-16 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
02-22 Omaha, NE - Slowdown
02-24 Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon
02-26 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
02-27 Indianapolis, IN - Radio Radio
02-28 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
02-29 Toronto, Ontario - Horseshoe Tavern
03-02 Allston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
03-03 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
03-05 Music Hall of Williamsburg
03-06 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
03-07 Washington, DC - Black Cat
03-09 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
03-10 Atlanta, GA - The Earl
03-11 Orlando, FL - Orange You Glad Festival
04-24 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
04-26 Seattle, WA - The Crocodile
04-27 Vancouver, British Columbia - Biltmore Caberet
04-28 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
04-30 San Francisco, CA - The Independent
05-02 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
05-03 San Diego, CA - The Casbah
05-04 Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
SONG OF THE DAY: The Black Angels - "Yellow Elevator"
Todays song of the day comes from one of our favorite psych-rock bands the Black Angels. The fourth song off their 2010 album Phosphene Dream, todays featured song is "Yellow Elevator." Any classic rock fans would do well to check this one out and then proceed to pick up the entire album. You can't just compare a band to The Doors like its not a big deal, but goddamn it this band reminds me of The Doors. Check it out.
Monday, February 6, 2012
REVIEW: Hospitality - Hospitality
Grade: 85% (B)
There's a point during the song "Liberal Arts" from Hospitality's debut album in which Amber Papini sings, "you found your joy on saturdays, friends and fun, fingering your girlfriend." She also repeats twice on the song singing, "you found the lock but not the key that college brings." These two lines compared to each other and played off of each other easily convey the attitude Hospitality shoots through speakers to the listener.
The Brooklyn trio's sound is both adolescent and mature. The lyrics and Papini's voice relay a youthful message while the musical elements of the record are well developed and accentuated. The collaborative efforts on the choruses' vocals compared to the shrewd horns backing them leave the listener wondering what the motif of this band really is. In one part of their mind they see an upstart indie-pop band with high aspirations while in the back of their mind they have a subtle respect for the band's enterprise.
These dueling elements feud each other throughout the ten songs on the LP. Amber sings of love found and lost, friends, and just growing up. The music has no lead instrument as samples allow a variety of tones and guitar work to be used. But don't mistake this group as a bunch of kids messing around with a bunch of instruments. They know their way around their tools and even better, they know how to utilize them in certain situations. On "Friends of Friends," they open only with a bass and lead guitar ushered by drums. The simple nature of the collection leads well into the drifting bridge and eventually into the chorus presided over by the brass section.
These types of arrangements can be found in various formats on Hospitality. While they in themselves could serve well as "elevator music" (really good elevator music), they fit perfectly alongside the innocence and sweet nature of Papini's voice. Her vocal chords are link between the sophisticated instrumentation and naive lyrics. She has a girlish feel in her voice yet there are raspy moments where she shows she can act as a grown and mature woman. Without this, this record would have no real variation from any of the other girl-guy indie-pop groups we have encountered in the past few years.
The album is not cheap, and it doesn't take advantage of the aforementioned indie-pop boom. Instead the trio takes some minor fixtures from the genre and blend it with the influences from their childhood and teenage years. In this way, it is a tween album that can be enjoyed by all, and it that sense, they certainly deserve credit. While a college freshman can appreciate the "joy on saturdays… fingering your girlfriend," a late twenty-thirty something can appreciate, "you found the lock but not the key that college brings." It's the reflections of a teenager from a fully grown and weary perspective mingling with indie-pop sounds. What's not to love?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)