Like A Sleep Twitch

So much has changed in this past year. I have been neglecting this blog more and more because I started graduate school and just haven't had the time to go to gigs or really even think about music very much. I won't be around very much, but you will continue to get the occasional post from me. Apologies.

But honestly, I think the bigger issue this year is that I just haven't been compelled to write and I'm just not excited about music as I used to be. I turn on the radio (internet radio included) and I don't hear anything that makes my ears perk up and think "wow, that's really good." There's no blood in that emotional vein, so it feels.

Here's what I will admit to however-- big thumbs up to Lady Gaga and The Editors.

"Lady Gaga? The Editors? That's the best you can come up with?"

"I knows what I likes. And I'm definitely feeling it."

Firstly, the video to Papparazzi is a little freaky, a little creepy. And LG's ambivalence about bottoms with tops is intriguing. (Although, what would she say about jumpsuits? As it is neither here nor there?) If you've ever seen her acoustic performances, the girl's gotta voice. There's a great version featured below. Second only to the Pirate meets Captain & Tenille inspired ensemble, are props of the year-- the teacup, and the umbrella.



I heard Pappillon the other day, and I felt a current go through my little heart. Yeah, and it's not the most complex song in the world, but fuck, I love this song. Pappillon is French for butterfly, and it's also a dog breed. (Cute little fellas, might I add.) Its use as a metaphor is a little perplexing, but the video makes me want to run with the bulls.



Until next time....

The Editors- Pappillon (buy In This Light and On This Evening)

Acts of Love

I haven't been to a show in so long... it's pretty sad. So I was so glad to break the dry spell seeing Gliss last night at Mercury Lounge. They have been my new fave band for a while now. I'm kind of a fan-geek when it comes to this band so I'm pretty sure it was dorky to gush about how much I love them to their bassist/drummer Victoria, but hey, what can you do.

In any case, it was sweet to see them sporting some new guitars, and playing songs off their new album, Devotion Implosion. Even after a minor snafu with broken guitar string, they rocked the house. 29 Acts of Love, Morning Light, and The Patrol are my favorite tracks.

Shows at Union Hall, and Pianos to follow. I probably won't be able to make it but this is definitely a band you should see live if given the chance.

Gliss- 29 Acts of Love
(Buy Devotion Implosion!)

If She Were A Boy

Sometimes songs don't click for me until I see the video. I was pretty meh about Beyonce's If I were A Boy, but then I saw the mv and it totally clicked-- the single tear, and the running liner. You can watch it here.

But my favorite Beyonce song as of late is Upgrade U. I especially loved her lip-syncing over Jay-Z's part. Kinda wonder what sort of direction she got during filming.

"Okay Sasha Fierce, give me a Jay-Z snarl... grrr..."



If she were a boy, she'd still look pretty good.

Runway!

Did you see PR last night?

No spoilers here, but I thought all three of the ladies did a smashing job. Even Kenley. Yeah, I love to hate on her, but I thought her collection was pretty fierce too. And what is with the ANTM/PR crossover going on? I counted four ex-ANTM contestants last night-- Eugena, Dani Evans, Bianca Golden, and Naima! (If it sounds like I watch too much reality TV, it's probably because I do.)

My favorite collection was Korto's-- Those colorful fans blew me away. Her selection of music was pretty awesome too. I've been googling non-stop trying to find out who produced the track. The song doesn't look like it's available commercially, but it's by someone named "Joshua" who posted a reply on Korto's runway video acknowledging he is the source of the music. He has a youtube page.



I want one of those fans.

"Empanadas Are the New Cupcakes"

We didn't see this in Beijing, but if the olympics pop into host town, "Williamsburg," at least you'll know what to expect.

"Hipster Olympics"



Oh so deliciously quotable.

Superpowers of Lykke Li!

This Swedish gal has all kinds of supernatural bewitchery up her (lovely cashmere) sleeves.

Like rockin' the megaphone and bringing sexy back with those platform boots for one.

And that sweater! That belt! (!!!) Doood, I'm having heart palpitations. I kinda wish I had a power that would enable me to reach through time, space, and the interweb to steal her damn outfit.



Lykke Li, I come in peace.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Not long ago, I wrote about this great band called Joy Formidable. Label-less but talented, I wondered when they would get their big break. I'm so happy to report that they're on the Another Music= Another Kitchen roster! They'll also be playing Reading and Leeds this weekend, before hitting up London with Ra Ra Riot on Aug 26. It'll be a killer show, natch.

Take a look at JF's video for Austere. I don't know about you, but Ritzy looks like a pixie Alice in Wonderland here.



Tea partaaay!

Oceans Will Rise

I remember the first time I saw The Stills perform. It was in college, and they made chit chat about the wine selection at our local university haunts. Pretty much after they played their last song that night, Killer Bees, I was hooked on this band.

Today, this Montreal quintet releases their third studio album, Oceans Will Rise. Well, do the oceans rise? Or rather, have they met expectations? Every fan of this band remembers their stellar debut album, Logic Will Break Your Heart, supported by tours with indie darlings, Ryan Adams, and Interpol. Their next album, Without Feathers left Logic fans behind, so what can you expect from Oceans? You must guess they’re not going to do the same old thing again.

They haven’t, and I’m not disappointed either. I think Oceans will confirm that reinvention is always in vogue. Snakecharming The Masses is a hypnotic, frenzied refusal to pander, backed by some intense percussion work. Statue of Sirens sprints to the other end of the spectrum, a beautiful and pensive soliloquy that I really love, and sounds like something that would be highly approved of by The Doves. (Kind of makes sense, since I love The Doves too. Ha.) The only song I could do without is Being Here, which does nothing for me. Although I find the music video for that song supremely funny in a Sleepy Hollow meets Monty Python kind of way.

The Stills- Snakecharming The Masses

The Stills- Statue of Sirens

Buy the album

CBC Radio interview
Check out tour dates

Greg... speaks!

So I'm gearing up for the new Stills album that comes out later this month and for nostalgic purposes, I've been looking for videos of the band from the Logic Will Break Your Heart era.

I found this one where Oliver and Greg talk about their van, and that's when I realized that this is the first time I've heard Greg speak...ever.



I got a weird sensation from hearing him talk. It's kind of like when your mute Uncle Ralph asks you to pass the peas during Christmas dinner or something- you can't believe your ears, but you really want him to do it again.

Greg Paquet's not a mute of course, he was just the quietest. I miss the Logic era :( I miss Greg! I remember reading interviews from other band members that he was the most cerebral of the group. Here's an interview he did in 2003 where he drops vocab bombs and talks about poutine.

I miss Greg! :( Just thought I'd reiterate... sigh.

I Know The Way These Things Begin

I still get chills whenever I hear, Caramel by Suzanne Vega. An acoustic-y version from one of my PBS favorites.



Loving the bass intro on that...

Side note, Sessions on West 54th was one of the greatest programs on public television!

Smokey Rolls Down A Bollywood Music Vid

I’m really not the biggest Devendra Banhart fan, but I’m digging the song, Carmensita right now. Yup, it’s the song from the Bollywood inspired music video featuring Natalie Portman and Banhart in, “racial drag,” as the Asian-American culture blog, Disgrasian puts it.



I wonder what inspired the Venezuelan-American born folkster to go Bollywood? I don’t condone racial drag, but at the very least it’s not The Love Guru.

Props for a catchy song, but I'm on the fence about the mv.

Devendra Banhart- Carmensita
(Buy the album)

Seeing Things

Raise your hand if you knew Jakob Dylan put out a solo album.

I spent most of my adolescence spinning The Wallflowers on my CD player and thought about changing my name to “Josephine” (It’s a lovely song. Look into it!). I was also beyond thrilled to catch their show at the Highline Ballroom last year. Imagine my surprise to learn Jakob Dylan is going solo! The new album, Seeing Things is thoughtful, introspective, and stripped down. Although it’s a little too folksy for my taste, I don’t question the man’s songwriting ability. He’s got an on old soul and it shows.

Could this be the start of a long and prosperous solo career?

He performed from his album on The Tonight Show earlier this week:



Jakob Dylan- Something Good This Way Comes
(Buy the album: Seeing Things)

All American Girls

As you all relax poolside, drinking beer and eating jello, remember there’s nothing more American than the All American Girl. Maybe my example won’t be the top choice to grace the pages of Maxim or FHM, but hey, butternuts.



Sleater-Kinney: Modern Girl
(Buy The Woods)

They write some of the most compelling lyrics. One of my biggest regrets is never getting the chance to see Sleater-Kinney in concert. Reunion tour? Maybe, soon?

It's All About Air Control

Just goes to show you that you don't need fancy instruments to make music.



Nothin' but respect for kazoos.

Shake Your Tambourine

These days I’m getting into a band called The Duke Spirit, with a fresh faced gal named Liela Moss as the lead singer. She’s got Sharin Foo’s haircut, Grace Slick’s spirit, and an attitude to boot. Although they’re billed as more of a soul/altrock/grunge group, The Duke Spirit’s aural persona sounds like a modern day Jefferson Airplane, which is fitting since they are a fixture on the festival circuit. Times have changed since the Monterey Pop Fest, but musical roots are alive in the bands today.

The Duke Spirit will be appearing at the All Points West in New Jersey, and the American Eagle Music Festival in Philly. Don’t forget to pack your tambourines!

The Duke Spirit- The Step & The Walk
(Buy the new album, Neptune)
(myspace)

Watch the video for their single:

Dance Dance Revolución

I don’t know about you, but to me, the buzz surrounding Coldplay’s fourth studio album can almost be labeled non-existent to slow simmer. Maybe I like it better this way. I just want to enjoy the single like a juicy secret before I hear it on a loop every hour on the radio, or in a NY cabbie’s car stereo when I’m going somewhere trés important.

Okay, that last one is a lie. I haven’t been in a cab since 2003. Metrocards, baby, Metrocards. Cabs are still yellow right? :)

The single off the new record, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, is Violet Hill, and in addition to the conventional music video, the band also posted an alternative video on their myspace, protesting war and violence in the most unconventional way I can think of— dancing politicians. I vote for this one to be the official video. It’s powerful stuff.



And to his credit, John McCain never got caught dancing in public. Don’t know if it’s because he can’t get down, or he really can’t get down.

Coldplay- Violet Hill
(Preorder your copy Viva la Vida or Death… available June 17th)

Set Em' Up & Knock Em' Down

(photo: Alan Marvas)

Brooklyn’s own Alan Wilkis has put out a hodgepodge-homage to the glam old school electronic, soul and rock, entitled Babies Dream Big, which is sure to tear up any summer playlist. It wasn’t only the music that gave me fuzzy feelings. His songs have also been featured in Good Magazine’s political profiles of our presidential candidates. Since yesterday’s Oregon and Kentucky primaries has my choice for president inching just a little closer to the White House, let’s celebrate democracy, shall we?

And what’s democracy if not the freedom of choice?



Watch the other videos on his myspace page!

Alan Wilkis- I'm Famous
(Buy Babies Dream Big)

Sensible Deductions

MadTV's Keegan-Michael Key's Sensual Seduction spoof reminds us to maximize our deductions on this last day for filing tax returns. He might have some trouble writing off the bong and the mountain of weed though, but just sayin' is all.



Also, this gentleman ,who might be your accountant, is jumping in on this musical fun too. Steve Zelin quit his job to pursue music full time and he's something like the Weird-Al Yankovic of CPAs. He does accountant-themed parodies, so his audience must be rather limited. Not that we can't all appreciate "Tax Busters", a spirited rendition of "Ghost Busters," but maybe he should keep his day job.

In Great Company

The UK births yet another great band called Red Light Company, and they have opened for one of my favorite groups, The Editors. Fresh, bright, kind of like a springtime green salad, I can absolutely hear RLC being enjoyed on a patio deck party of some sort. Watch for the EP available for download later this month. You CD fanatics out there, can grab a copy on May 26th.

Until then, enjoy this mp3 and video!



Red Light Company- With Lights Out
(Red Light Company myspace)

Gypsy Death... and You

Midnight Boom was released last month, and I’m in love with it. It seems that The Kills have done some serious editing in terms of their drum machine. While the music is not appropriate for interstate highway chases like on their last two albums, it’s kind of perfect for the pit stop. The occasional pull-over, let’s stop and think about our overwhelming badge of coolness.

Understandably, the duo gets a lot of flack for purporting an aura of intense secrecy and mythology, even giving each other little names like VV and Hotel—right, it’s drivel to anyone else except the two of them. Kate Moss excepted perhaps.

It’s been reported that Alison Mosshart is having issues with her bandmate’s girlfriend. No doubt, three’s company, and I bet the rumors of a Hince/Moss gypsy wedding in the works can only add oil to the fire. I would personally hate to see this affect the quality of their music, and their live show. Mosshart has banned Moss from appearing with them onstage or intruding on their live act, which I hear is electric—addictive, sweaty guitar licks, ferocious chain-smoking, sexual energy. It sounds pretty amazing. Haven’t seen them live yet, but they’re making their way to New York again (Webster Hall, May 1st!) Come next month, I hope I only count 2 people on stage…

And here is just Alison, doing her thing. Go girl.



The Kills- Gypsy Death and You
(Buy Keep Your Mean Side)