April 2009 Archives

I haven't been keeping tabs on my favorite bands' websites lately, nor their labels, so getting this email from Rough Trade last week was a nice surprise. This may be old news to some of you, but to those who haven't seen this yet - the cool video posted above, is a video introducing a new project by Belle and Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch, called God Help the Girl. This new album, according to Rough Trade,  is a story set to music, which Murdoch has been working on intermittently for the last five years - his first new music since Belle and Sebastian's seventh album.

The video shows Stuart talking about the project with a sort of behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new album. Here, Belle and Sebastian serves as the backing band for the female lead singers, all of which Stuart held auditions for via a call in the classifieds: 'Girl Singer needed...Celine Dion wannabes save your breath. Ballpark, Ronettes, Friend and Lover.'

As a little sneak peek here's the single from the upcoming album called 'Come Monday Night'

Come Monday Night


'Come Monday Night' also features an orchestra conducted by Rick Wentworth as well as Stuart, Stevie, Bob and Richard from Belle and Sebastian. The single will be released May 11th with the b-side sublimely entitled 'Howard Jones Is My Mozart.' Christmas comes early this year (for me the at is!) with the full album slated to be released June 22nd. Just hearing the samples from the video as well as the gorgeous single, I definitely won't be able to wait until the album comes out.

You can also head on to the God Help the Girl website, to check out the latest news on its release: www.godhelpthegirl.com. 

I am not a fan of American football, nor do I know much about Johnny Unitas. The only thing I know about him is that he's a significant figure in American football history, and oddly, that I can connect him musically and loop the connection back by a mere six degrees. Since it'll be an interesting mix, I thought I'd give it a go for this week's Friday list.

Since this'll be a nicely looped six degrees - I'll start with a song that's directly related to our dear old football hero and bring it back with another song I can link up.

1. The Kingdom - I Am Constellation

The Kingdom's first EP was a concept album which was all about, you guessed it - Johnny Unitas. Their EP, aptly called Unitas, has this lovely song called I Am Constellation, which is meant to be an ode to the cosmic deity that is Johnny Unitas. No mention of Johnny at all here - but you'll get that it's him since the whole album says it so.

The Kingdom followed up with another concept album which was about racing. Their full length album entitled K1, had songs that had titles like Driver, Motorcading and Motorcycling - which is also the subject of our next song in the list.

2. The Rumble Strips - Motorcycle

To appreciate this song fully, you'll need to watch the band's music video which shows frontman Charlie Waller, riding around in his bicycle, while singing about his desire for a motorcycle.

The Rumble Strips, had their first few tracks released by independent record label - Transgressive Records. Transgressive is also famous for releasing albums for other indie music acts like Iron and Wine, The Shins and UK dance punk/math rock band - Foals.

3. Foals - Hummer

 

Hummer was Foals' first commercially successful track which, though they might deny it, gained immense popularity after being used in the teen drama Skins' secret party. According to the band, they started out playing house parties - much like the band that they portrayed in their TV debut.

Skins also featured this next artist in our list, whose song 'You Can't Hurry Love' was included in its Season 1 finale.

4. The Concretes - Seems Fine (Shuffle)

This song is from Swedish band The Concrete's Lady December EP - an unplugged shuffle version of their original - Seems Fine. I admit, The Concretes isn't the same without Victoria Bergsman, her voice lends a nice and unique touch to The Concrete's songs. It's also the reason why this next song sounds so much so lovable -

5. Peter, Bjorn and John - Young Folks

You've probably heard of this song before - a song often used as background music for almost anything. That 'whistling song' aka 'Young Folks' is PBJ's one big hit, which features a duet with my favorite ex-The Concretes member Victoria Bergsman. A TV spot favorite, it was also used in the soundtrack to the 2008 movie 'Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging'.

'Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging', based on a book by comedian Louise Rennison, had a screenplay penned by Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi. When Gurinder Chadha was assigned to direct, she made changes the screenplay to make it more like a film depicting a teenage girl's life in Britain and (according to her) less like what two guys from LA's rendition of what a teenage girl's life was like. Though Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi may not be in tune with what British teens are like - they sure made a big hit with Nickelodeon's 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete' which featured the song from this next band.

6. Polaris - Hey Sandy

If you know what Krebstar is, and can relate Michelle Trachtenberg to Nona Mecklenberg (aka Iggy Pop's daughter) - you'll definitely be familiar with Polaris' song 'Hey Sandy'. We only get treated to a couple of minutes of this song in 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete', but here it is in it's full form. Polaris was actually a one-off musical project by New Haven indie rock band Miracle Legion who recorded as Polaris just for the Pete and Pete TV series.

An interesting thing to note - The Adventures of Pete and Pete had an episode early in the series called 'Space, Geeks and Johnny Unitas', which oddly enough, links aliens to geeks and Johnny U. Coincidentally, it also wraps up my six degrees loop.

Oh, and did you know, The Kingdom (which is my first band on the list) also recorded a song called Polaris? This could've been a shorter list after all, but then again, where's the fun in that?

 
  

This week's fresh, new and exclusive tracks come all the way from a little group from Groningen, Netherlands called 'We Swim You Jump'. 

They were kind enough to grant me a short online interview, one of the most interesting ones I've had at that, with founding members Niek and Richard sharing their interesting take on the answer to the daunting question - 'What is Indie music?', as well as their drummer's conspiracy theory involving the Beatles.

How do you guys define Indie Music?

We used to think indie music was made by native americans. That their music was never intended to be sold to millions, and was only to be heard by a few tribes who lived in tents. Just music for the pure enjoyment of making music, not for making money. That's what made their music so good and pure. However, the European colonists tried to blend in with the indians what eventually led to great conflicts between the two. At this moment indie music is so distorted and changed that we now all play indie music and therefore we are all indians. Off course there are still a few that approach music the way it was intended by the native americans. Unfortunately we still don't know what indie music really is...

Do you consider your music 'Indie', and why?

We don't really mind where our music is filed under. We think we have a pop approach on our songwriting, and a DIY approach on recording, cause we record everything by ourselves at home. As for the indie thing, we play at amazing shitholes, we have barely money to pay gas for a rented van, but we do have complete creative control for our songs. Maybe you can consider that as indie.

What's the story behind your name, We Swim, You Jump?
  It started when Richard recorded some songs at Niek his place. Niek added some keys and strings and the collaboration felt so good they decided to write together. Soon people wanted to hear it live. So they needed some extra musicians. Those extra musicians were found in already long time friends, you can say We Swim You Jump started out as a duo but is complete now.We love Simon and Garfunkel and The Beatles, except for our drummer who hates the Beatles. He thinks the Beatles are pathetic and everyone fell for them because of mindcontrol put out by the British government...
To name a few other artists we like, Midlake, Elliott Smith, Kelly Clarkson, Lou Barlow, John Fahey, Iron Maiden, Guns n Roses, Nada Surf, Devon Williams, CCR, Beethoven, The Get Up Kids, Loney Dear, just too many. We listen to almost everything. Oldies and newbies. We think you can also learn from bad music as well...

Indeed bad music can be an inspiration as well - is it why they put a bit of country music guitar in their new track 'Answers'? Surprisingly, as much as I hate country music (which isn't really bad..just bad in my opinion) - I found the song quite good. It did remind me of 'Help!' era Beatles. Is it why there isn't much drumming going on with this song?

According to Richard, who penned the lyrics to the song - 'Answers obviously is about a love that stays, even in difficult times. It always interested me how some people naturally find their way in falling and being in love, while for other people, the difference in needs for the two sexes will always remains a mystery. '

Answers


The next track is a slightly different version of their single from their Demo EP, 'Sharks'. Commenting on the song, Richard says: 'I guess 'Sharks' says something about how people differ in pace. For example, one can jump from the one relationship into another, while others need more time to reflect things and then move on. You can count me in that last group of people:)'

Sharks


It's been a while that I had a song stuck in my head, where it was the first thing that I would hear in the morning when I woke up. 'Sharks' had that effect - which says a lot. It has that nice upbeat, make-you-feel-good kind of vibe which makes it so easy to fall in love with.  Interesting bit of trivia about this song - the first version of 'Sharks' was guitar and vocals only. It had a totally different guitar strumming rhythm than the final version, that didn't fit with the drumbeat. Since the group really wanted the drumbeat, they actually changed the guitar rhythm. Wise choice overall, since it turned out to be the great song that it is now. It kind of reminded me of the story behind that hit song in the movie 'That Thing You Do!'. Hopefully, this group won't share the same fate as the movie's one-hit 'Wonders'. I have the strong suspicion that they won't, since based on their demo EP, they've got the potential to make more than one, hit-worthy song - which hopefully, a whole load of other people in the world would discover. In any case, if it matters at all, they're a hit to me.

If you like to check out more awesome tracks from the group, We Swim You Jump's Demo EP is available for purchase at the Subroutine Records site. You can also sample some of their tracks at their MySpace page.

Yes, the weekend abounds - sooner than later, and much much longer than the usual. If you're planning to go an a road trip during this Easter break, here's a couple of songs that you might want to enjoy on your weekend drive. The following are my five hippy, trippy and dancey tunes which usually keep me awake on my drive home from the night shift, and the accompanying happy memories I have with them -

1. Those Dancing Days - Those Dancing Days |

 

Nothing says dance than an organ heavy, northern soul inspired song, performed by five young and pretty Swedish girls. Their song, Those Dancing Days, which is also the name of their group, is definitely a toe tapping, bob-your-head-to-the-music kind of song. It's also a great song to listen to when your car's getting whipped by high velocity winds while crossing the Arthur Laing bridge - and a nice background music, when watching seagulls overhead, fly in place against the wind, and going nowhere.

2. The Go! Team - Get It Together |

 

This playful song is probably one that some of you might be familiar with. If you're an avid gamer, it's the background music for the PlayStation game 'Little Big Planet' . Also, if you're into online quizzes (not the 'Which celebrity would you get married to?' type), it's used in the addicting Impossible Quiz game.

When I listen to The Go! Team Songs, I'm weirdly reminded of Sesame Street. It must be the funky 70's guitars. In any case, it makes me miss the times when Sesame Street used to play those psychedelic clips about letters and numbers - also, Teeny Little Super Guy. I wonder what happened to him?

Get It Together is only slightly '70s with a bit of hip hop 90's with the whole DJ scratch effect thing (which my son absolutely loves, and would ask to have it repeated over and over again). With grooves that will remind you of obscure childhood memories, or fun days of game playing, Get It Together is a song that can transport you to the happy zone. 


3. Junior Senior - Can I Get Get Get |

 

I was tempted to post Move Your Feet again, but I thought it would be better to share something else but equally fun. 'Can I Get Get Get' is yet another delightful song from Danish duo Junior Senior, and is actually best appreciated while viewing the music video - a collection of clips from Junior Senior fans lipsynching to the song. It's a really great song to sing along to, and like the many fans that sang along to it in the music video,  I've definitely sang along to it with speakers on full blast inside the car. A neat song to put on your road trip CD, it also has the potential of being the kind of song that can get stuck in your head for days.
 
4. Shout Out Louds - Tonight I Have to Leave It (The Russian Futurists remix) |

 

I know, I've posted more than my fair share of Shout Out Louds - but I can't help it if they have really nice songs. This one is a remix version of their most famous song 'Tonight I Have to Leave it' - one of my all time favorite songs. It brings out my happy side and it also sounds a bit like The Cure's 'In Between Days', the other hippy trippy happy song that I like.

I know a lot of people hate remixes and prefer the original  - though for me, I don't mind the remixes, I actually like them. It's like having to experience the same great song in a different light (as long as the remix is well done of course!). This remix was done by the Canadian act The Russian Futurists, who've made some excellent songs themselves.

5. The Gossip - Standing In The Way of Control (Soulwax Nite remix) |

 

Yes, I am a Skins fan. I think it's one of the most entertaining shows on TV right now - plus, they always feature great music. What's more appealing for me is their inclusion of JJ, the aspie teen - who despite his medically diagnosed social ineptness, is still the most 'normal' member in his circle of friends,  which include a stoner/emo skater boy, a binge drinking sociopath and a promiscuous wild child out for self-destruction.

If I listen to The Gossip's Standing In The Way of Control, I will only listen to the Soulwax Nite version. It's not because it's the version that got popular in Skins,for me, the orignal version just isn't the same. This version is more pumped up, faster and most importantly, it totally wakes me up when I start nodding off while driving after my 10 hour night shift.

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So there you have it, my five songs for the week - just a couple of tracks that you can consider adding to your mix CD repertoire if you're in the mood for upbeat tracks or planning to make your long drive home worthwhile.

Lemonwilde produces moody brooding songs, which sort of have a suave and mysterious air around them - songs which might give you that feel of wanting to watch a nice vampire movie or maybe even an urge to do a tribute YouYube video for  'Angel'. It may just be coincidence, but the band first started out, playing for a wrap party for a Sarah Michelle Gellar movie.

This five-piece Los Angeles based group recently released their first EP called Red Room. The EP boasts of 5 new tracks that you can also sample at their MySpace page. Its appealing Walrus album cover,  ties up to what the band's name is all about, which according to frontman Joe Murray - '(Lemonwilde) is the name of the atmosphere where the Walrus oversees. This atmosphere is where you go when the pain reaches the boiling point.'

I'm tempted to ponder on the profoundness of that statement, but I've sworn off thinking too deep into things since I'm just here to enjoy the moment. On a similar note, didn't 'I Am the Walrus' teach us anything about over-analysis? Yes, I am at this point in my life to accept all instances of  'goo goo g'joob' at face value. In any case, you might also want to check out the band's MySpace for a full explanation of what Lemonwilde is, and see the excellent artwork from the artist that did the Walrus cover art.

To sample a bit of Lemonwilde, here's the their first single off  their Red Room album called 'Just This Ashtray'. According to the band  - Lyrically, This song is about the idea of someone having to let go of something they care about for the better good... think White Fang (the movie).

Just This Ashtray


Not going off from vampire flick mode, when I listen to this song, I kind of get an image of a  From Dusk 'til Dawn-ish kind of movie...but with a tango dance scene (particularly when this song's piano part kicks in). Actually, the whole album makes me think that it'll be perfect for a soundtrack - if any studio execs are reading, this is excellent mood music. Whether it's for another edgy, dark, teen feature film or  background music for a TV series (hint, hint - maybe a Chuck Bass dramatic moment) - the sounds fit just right in.

I asked the band if they had any favorites when making their EP: 'We all loved making all of them, but the ending of 'Nondeterministic Automation' was cool because we all get to break free and jam (including Joe on the cymbal - during lives shows). Luke's is 'Inspired Painter', Henry's is 'Finding Jesus in Math', and Ter and Joe like 'Danse' the most.'

Definitely, all the songs in Red Room are worth the listen. You can check out iTunes if you guys want to grab a copy, or go to the band's MySpace page to check out how to score the album for free ;)

Yes, this isn't Friday, but in the history of the Friday's list - I've only ever been able to post on Friday 20% of the time. Better late than never! Even if I get caught up with other important things in life, I always get that itch to post this list up.

This week's list contains six songs by 3 artists, favorite ones at that, who've made excellent songs that one might say, have gone to indie mainstream. So what do they have in common? If you're only an occasional fan of any of these artists - you'll be familiar with just one of the two songs I've posted from each of them, with the second (or first song - whichever you're familiar with) warranting a 'they sang that song too?' from you. This week's list will be my list of artists exhibiting a sort of dual personality through their songs.

1. Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan is my favorite indie music pinup boy. He might be a well known solo act, but he'll always be to me, one of the auxillary members of The Danielson Famile, the weirdest and one of most endearing Christian bands of all time.  Sufjan's songs are more popularly known to be of the folk/chamber pop variety, as demonstrated by his songs from his two state-themed albums Illinois and Michigan. If you're a Jeremy Brock (or Rupert Grint) fan - you've probably heard of Sufjan, as his songs were used as the soundtrack for Brock's semi-autobiographical film 'Driving Lessons'.  The best way to sample Sufjan's usual stye would be to listen to his ever-so-popular and critically acclaimed Illinoise album. Here's one of the more popular tracks - Come On! Feel the Illinoise!

Come On! Feel the Illinoise! |

Unbeknownst to many, Sujfan also has a rock-on-roll side to him. Though his attempts at rock aren't as popular - his contribution to the Believer's 2007 music issue  comes close to be the one of his more well known ones, and a rare one at that. He replaces his angelic soothing vocals with Jack White style, honest to goodness rock out singing in 'In The Words of the Governor'

In The Words of the Governor |

2. The Bees

The Bees is a band that's hard to categorize musically, so officially, they're not really deviating much from these two different sounding songs that I'm about to offer. The Bees, has always been - for the lack of appropriate words to describe it - very vintage. Their songs sound like they're from 30 years back - but all from different genres. Here's their more popular song 'Chicken Payback', which was used in the England Cricket Board ad, as well as the 'Men Wild as animals' Sure Deodorant advert.

Chicken Payback |

If you're only familiar with Chicken Payback and its equally silly music video. You might be surprised that this band had actually made this particular song - an all time favorite of mine - which sounds so much like a Burt Bacharach original. It's soothing melody as well as it's trance inducing lyrics (I want to hold you like the sky holds the sun), make it a perfect polar opposite for Chicken Payback -

Sky Holds the Sun |

3. Belle and Sebastian

Glasgow's indie darlings, Belle and Sebastian are popularly known for their folksy acoustic pop songs. A staple for all twee pop enthusiasts - Belle and Sebastian is synonymous to jingly jangly guitar music. Here's a track that hits close to home for me, and was also featured in the 2008 comedy 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'

Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying |

The next song, sticks out like as sore thumb. This sounds nothing like other Belle and Sebastian songs. In fact, to some Belle and Sebastian fans out there, they'd rather not have this song in the Tigermilk album because it simply doesn't jive. In any case, I love the song - it might ruin the mood for an afternoon of jingly jangly twee pop, but I welcome the sweet sweet sounds of electronica anytime.

Electronic Renaissance |

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I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's been keeping tabs on the site. Keep the music contributions coming! I also want to give a special shout out to Kevin from homorazzi.com for the mention in their uber-cool site. Check out the article here.