For those of you already enamored by The Avett Brothers and especially those who aren’t yet, check out this view of “Murder in the City”. It captures the brothers candidly sharing their song about family. The video is frank and touching, sweet and intimate. The song is off of The Second Gleam EP (2008).
Their upcoming tour begins at the end of the month and takes the Avetts across the states and beyond to both Europe and Australia.
The energetic, Swede pop perfection of The Tough Alliance immediately entangled me when I first heard “Neo Violence”. It’s spring loaded, synth heavy, techno-tropic and gets you giddily dancing. I adore their wry humor at the end. I finally dove into their last two releases and got turned on to more TTA. The songs are bright, emphatic, and uplifting, buoyant with constant explosions of sounds. I’m surprised they haven’t yet hit the scene harder in the U.S.
Check out the rad video for “Simple Games” from the New Waves EP (2006). It’s got girls jumping rope in the breathtaking, sun-dappled outdoors and projections of breaking waves (a recurring visual motif of theirs).
Childhood friends Henning Fürst and Eric Berglund formed The Tough Alliance in 2003. The Göthenburg, Sweden duo have polished their glammy blend of pop and electronica through a series of EP and album releases, first on the locally based Service label (home to Jens Lekman and Studio) and then on their own label, Sincerely Yours, beginning in 2006. Each critically acclaimed creation helped to establish them as a central force within the Swedish indie music scene. TTA began attracting greater international attention in 2007 due to outstanding reviews for A New Chance (2007) and American distribution.
Adding some color to their story, The Tough Alliance amusingly have an infamous reputation for their live appearances and receive frequent attention in the Swedish media for lip-synching to their backing tracks while ambiguously wielding baseball bats. The resulting accusations of glorifying violence and hooliganism haven’t gone unnoticed. TTA directly confronts all detractors in the lyrics of “Neo Violence”, which ascended to number 13 on the Swedish album charts in 2007.
No U.S. dates at the moment, but keep your eyes out for The Tough Alliance.
Neo Violence
No no need for a baseball bat
Don’t need no knife for a sharp attack
No excuses, no looking back
We think too much about the things we lack
This neo violence
Pure self-defiance
This neo violence
The Tough Alliance
I hardly noticed your short romance
Your careless manners and your anxious glance
Kissed and telled, got paid in advance
You’re far behind now love you missed your chance
This neo violence
Pure self-defiance
This neo violence
The Tough Alliance
Truly sorry thought you’d get the wink, it’s in our nature to be out of sync
Truly sorry thought you’d get the wink, it’s in our nature to be out of sync
This neo violence
Pure self-defiance
This neo violence
The Tough Alliance
This neo violence
Can’t stand the silence
This neo violence
The Tough Alliance
I recently found three gems by Ingrid Michaelson/Sara Bareilles, Meiko, and Brandi Carlile on Hotel Café’s October release Winter Songs.
Epic Records and The Hotel Café partnered up to release The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs, a compilation of original recordings and classic holiday tracks sung by a lineup of female singer-songwriters, many who have been associated with The Hotel Café including Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Brandi Carlile and KT Tunstall. I’m drawn to the originals as the bulk of the other tracks end up sounding corny and cliched with vocals that often miss the mark, namely those by Katy Perry and Alice Smith. I wish they had come up with a better song for Fiona Apple than “Frosty the Snowman”. You don’t need to listen to know what I mean.
The Hotel Café has blossomed over the years into one of the premier singer/songwriter venues in the country and is regarded as “the place that breaks artists.” Musicians view The Hotel Café as a second home and many come to the venue nightly to support one another and to accompany each other on stage. I have found Hotel Cafe’s taste to be quite impeccable. For those not in L.A., watch for the Hotel Café Tours which have brought Rachael Yammagata, Ingrid Michaelson, Meiko, Thao Nguyen, and Katie Herzig to stages nationwide. They make for memorable evenings with each vocalist performing 2-3 songs backed by a house band in the round.
“Winter Song”, crafted by Michaelson and Bareilles, features gorgeous vocal harmonies between the two songbirds along with Katie Herzig, Lenka, Anya Marina, Meiko, Jim Bianco, Cary Brothers, Buddy, Holly Conlan, Marie Digby, Jesca Hoop, Laura Jansen, Tim Jones, Greg Laswell, Jonah Matranga, Joshua Radin, and Butch Walker. It’s sweet and mournful, powerful yet vulnerable, with rich string embellishments and an appropriate grandiose ending.
Meiko’s “Maybe Next Year” is sassy and just what you’d expect from this bad girl who often seems to toy with the boys. The song features opportunely placed horns and keys which fill out the song behind Meiko silky voice with its youth-fllled, succulent charm. Love the climatic ending.
Within “The Heartache Can Wait”, Carlile is earnest and intimate, embodying the mellow elegance that comes naturally to her. It’s sad albeit beautiful when you stare through the tears.
Britain’s Royal Mail is honoring both art and music with the launch of 10 stamps that feature iconic album covers from the past four decades. Speaking at the launch of the stamps at London’s Rough Trade West on January 7th, Jimmy Page revealed the irony behind Led Zeppelin’s iconic ‘IV’ album cover. “Almost 40 years after the album came out, nobody knows the old man who featured on the cover, nor the artist who painted him,” he said. “That sort of sums up what we wanted to achieve with the album cover, which has remained both anonymous and enigmatic at the same time.”
Royal Mail agreed upon the final list after going through thousands of album covers, lists, and polls. The decision was based on the art and album design, not necessarily music. “For decades, the album sleeve has been the canvas for some of the most imaginative graphic artists in the world, and this issue celebrates this unique art form and some of its greatest examples,” said Juliette Edgard, Head of Special Stamps at Royal Mail.
The chosen album covers include The Rolling Stones 1969 album Let It Bleed, Led Zeppelin’s 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV, David Bowie’s 1972 album The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Mike Oldfield’s 1973 album Tubular Bells, The Clash’s 1979 album London Calling, New Order’s 1983 album Power, Corruption and Lies, Primal Scream’s 1991 album Screamadelica, Pink Floyd’s 1994 album The Division Bell, Blur’s 1994 album Parklife, and Coldplay’s 2002 album A Rush of Blood to the Head.
For decades the album sleeve has been the canvas for some of the most imaginative graphic artists worldwide. The U.K. stamp issue acknowledges this unique art form and celebrates some of the greatest examples used by UK musical artists.
During a recent visit to Australia in November to promote the release of their new album Contra (Jan 12, 2009) Vampire Weekend performed an exclusive concert for Triple J radio. Previous Triple J radio Live At The Wireless artist include Lily Allen, MGMT, Modest Mouse, and Air.
Denver-based songwriter/singer/musician, John Common and his band, Blinding Flashes of Lights, will be debuting their new record, entitled Beautiful Empty, at Casselman’s in Denver, CO on January 16th, 2010. The CD release will be a collaborative event that offers independent music, film and visual art, all related to and inspired by the new record. The band features John Common (vocals/guitar/keys), Jess DeNicola (vocals), Wes Michaels (cello/sax), Adam Revell (keys), Jimmy Stofer (bass/vocals) and Carl Sorensen (drums). The band will be joined on stage by a string section and other musical guests. Also playing that night are two popular Colorado artists, both who are superb: Achille Lauro and Danielle Ate the Sandwich.
Tickets are $15 presale and include an exclusive bonus EP (digital download), a copy of the new CD (given at the door) and other surprises on the night of the show. Tickets are $20 day of show and come with a copy of the new CD and the fabulous surprises, but no bonus track.
Earlier this fall a collaborative short film festival was organized for this event, named the Beautiful Empty Short Film Conspiracy. A call went out to Colorado-based independent filmmakers who shot and submitted their short films, all inspired by and incorporating songs from Beautiful Empty. A handful of the most interesting short films will be shown throughout the night of the CD release.
The event will also feature box art by 60 artists from across the U.S. who were invited to create unique works of art inspired by what would eventually become the new record, Beautiful Empty. Each artist was sent a simple wooden box, along with early stage lyrics, images and music. They then mixed it all together into a beautiful collaboration called the Common Box Project. The final exhibit of the Common Box Project will happen the night of the CD release inside the venue. For more information visit .
Date: Saturday, January 16th, 2010 Location: Casselman’s Bar and Venue (26th and Walnut, Denver, CO) Music: John Common & Blinding Flashes of Light, Achille Lauro, Danielle Ate the Sandwich Film: The Beautiful Empty Short Film Conspiracy Art Exhibit: The Common Box Project Tickets: $15 presale / $20 day of show. Price of ticket includes a copy of the new CD, other surprises and an exclusive bonus EP (digital download) for those who buy tickets in advance Doors: 7pm / Show starts at 7:30pm Ages: 21+ Buy tickets:Casselman’s | John Common
Listen to some gorgeous tracks off the new album. It is thoughfully written and the vocal harmonies between Common and DeNicola are almost as stunning here as they are live.
Panda Bear – Person Pitch (2007)
This album delicately led me by the arm towards Animal Collective, when I was confounded by how strange it was. 2007 saw me doing yoga to Person Pitch almost every day, allowing me to sink into what Panda Bear and, as a result, what the whole AC crew had to offer. Person Pitch is simultaneously poppy and abstract, winsome and deranging, creating elaborate and magnificent convoluted sonic collages. mp3: Panda Bear – Comfy in Nautica mp3: Panda Bear – Bros mp3: Panda Bear – Good Girl/Carrots Download Person Pitch MySpace | Website
Lily Allen – Alright, Still (2007)
This album had me rocking out in my car during many of those 2007 summer months. Allen’s smart alec, sassy attitude is emphatic. Her explosion on the scene as one of Britain’s superstars might put off some, but it’s hard not fall for her well produced brand of bouncy, horn heavy, ska-inspired pop.
Check out “Smile”, “LDN”, “Nan You’re A Window Shopper” – explicit! (can’t post!) Download Alright, Still MySpace | Website
Brett Dennen – Hope for the Hopeless (2008)
Brett Dennen inspires me. His lyrics are entirely well considered and thought provoking, and his positive, dynamic melodies are hard to deny. “Make You Crazy”, featuring Femi Kuti, is the true gem here, gorgeous in it’s entirety, speaking about our untrustable government, prisons, child soldiers, and how people treat each other to get ahead. The songs soar, speaking of love, hope, home and peace. “San Francisco” is thoroughly nostalgic especially if you’ve taken any time to get to know Dennen’s amazing city. mp3: Brett Dennen – Make You Crazy mp3: Brett Dennen – Wrong About Me mp3: Brett Dennen – San Francisco Download Hope For The Hopeless MySpace | Website
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009)
By far my favorite release of the year. Since their inception, Animal Collective has wandered the territorial edges of music, seeking out boundaries previously erected and looking beyond them. They’ve imbued gorgeous indie songs with peculiar vocals and irritating noises, contrasted West African rhythms with British folk melodies, and have hung on a single chord for what seems like eternity. Merriweather feels like a culmination of all of these explorations, achieving a sound that is both accessible and thoroughly innovative. Finally an Animal Collective album that I’m moved to listen to all the way through -hooky and pop drenched in swirls of psychedelia, heavy with sonic texture. mp3: Animal Collective – My Girls mp3: Animal Collective – Summertime Clothes mp3: Animal Collective – Brothersport Download Merriweather Post Pavilion MySpace | Website
Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (2009)
The danceable, catching indie rock of Phoenix is perfectly featured on their newest release. The tight grooves of the band’s electrifying synth pop flow loudly behind Thomas Mars’ smooth and all the while urgent vocals. Wolfgang is brilliantly sleek with sonic texture, putting the band on the map as one of the most exciting groups to blow up stateside this year. mp3: Phoenix – Lisztomania mp3: Phoenix – 1901 mp3: Phoenix – Lasso Download Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix MySpace | Website
Built to Spill – There Is No Enemy (2009)
On There is No Enemy, Built to Spill investigates an aesthetic they’ve created and honed over the years, revolving around Doug Martsch’s soft, yet penetrating vocals swimming in a bath of refracting guitar tones. The band again finds a new and interesting way to approach their sound making this my favorite BTS album since 1999’s Keep It Like A Secret. mp3: Built to Spill – Aisle 13 mp3: Built to Spill – Hindsight mp3: Built to Spill – Nowhere Lullaby Download There Is No Enemy MySpace | Website
Ray LaMontagne – Trouble (2003)
When Trouble came out it was hard not to become overwhelmed by the power and depth of Ray LaMontagne. The title track is entirely timeless, instantly bringing on comparisons to Van Morrison and Otis Redding, with Ray’s rich and impassioned vocals rising above perfectly nuanced guitars and strings, echoing his quietly devastating meditations on life and love which is the soul of this release. mp3: Ray LaMontagne – Trouble mp3: Ray LaMontagne – Forever My Friend mp3: Ray LaMontagne – How Come Download Trouble MySpace | Website
My Morning Jacket – Z (2005)
When Z came out all I wanted was wrap myself in the sonic blissfulness of “Wordless Chorus”. MMJ’s 4th album sees the band proceeding forward without fear or shame, shaping a sound distinctly their own. Fiery guitar, folk-inspired melodies, soaring rock passages, and psychedelic flashes marry sublimely with Jim James’ legendary vocals. mp3: My Morning Jacket – Wordless Chorus mp3: My Morning Jacket – It Beats 4 U mp3: My Morning Jacket – Off The Record Buy Z MySpace | Website
I’m late on getting you my list of the best albums of the decade, but it’s taken some time to dig through all of the incredible pieces of work that we’ve been hit with over the past 10 years. Since 2000, my ears have become keen to the inner workings of song and sound and it is partly due to the music below that I listen the way that I do. This decade has been an exhilarating one with bands like Animal Collective, Modest Mouse, Broken Social Scene, Death Cab For Cutie, and Sigur Ros solidifying their reach with monumental releases, and acts like Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, Ray LaMontagne, Vampire Weekend and Bon Iver astonishing listeners with their debuts. I can’t resist including a few albums from smaller artists that are personal favorites, those of Leslie Helpert and The Slip. Dive in.
Zero 7 – Simple Things (2001)
The album combines an alluring mixture of sounds – electronica, jazz, soul, world music – featuring three talented vocalists (Mozez, Sia Furler, and Sophie Baker) to ride the top of these Air-like waves amid deep compositional swirls. mp3: Zero 7 – I Have Seen mp3: Zero 7 – Destiny mp3: Zero 7 – Likufanele Download Simple Things MySpace | Website
The alt-country indie rock of These United States has a way drawing you in. Lead singer Jesse Elliot’s sultry, twangy croon drives each song, riding upon the band’s velvety slide-guitar laden version of Americana. It’s his laid-back charm that is both heartfelt and open, along with the sophisticated, seasoned sound of the band that catches. At moments I hear Tom Petty, but the closest comparison I can find in current music, is that of Delta Spirit.
Elliot’s writing process arises from his interest in the English language and his desire to create narrative arcs. The songs are filled with stories and characters that reference everything from Custer, Johnny Appleseed, and Jesse James, to Mark Twain and Tecumseh. Elliot conjures up ideas of saddle-riding sinners and silent heroes, all the while loquaciously commenting on everyday existence. As Elliot told NPR, “I’m a big fan of aesthetics, of just the way words sound, the way that phrases string together, the way that we use language.” And referencing the writing process, “It’s a way of coping with the serious amount of information that exists in the world these days. Stitching it together in some big, chaotic patchwork is kind of how I make sense of all the pieces that are flying our way and everyone’s way every day.” The songs are hopeful and demonstrate that These United States are still discovering pieces of gold in our dispirited country.
The band calls both Lexington, Kentucky and Washington, DC home. Elliot is both the founding and core member, filling out his vision with musicians and friends from both locales. He originally formed the group with David Strackany, who records as a singer-songwriter under the name Paleo. In just two years, the band has played 500 plus shows across the U.S., U.K., and northern Europe and appeared at SXSW, the CMJ Music Marathon, and the U.K.’s prestigious Glastonbury Festival.
With their third full-length release in 18 months, These United States are flowing with creative output. Each meticulously crafted album reveals a variety of musical approaches and the care that went into the recording process. They explore a variety of sounds, all riding within enticing southern-edged rock, sometimes soft and subtle, always filled with a sense of well-intentioned urgency. A Picture of the Three of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden was recorded by Elliott and Strackany in basements and hallways in Elgin, IL, Iowa City, IA, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, IL. Picture was released March 4, 2008 and just 6 weeks later, the band was in a Lexington recording Crimes as they had more material they wanted to work with. Crimes came out that September and received praise from Paste Magazine, Pitchfork Media, and NPR, despite (and in many cases because of) its sonic departure from the group’s debut. In February 2009, the band began recording its third album, Everything Touches Everything, in Arlington, VA, released in September 2009.
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