Amiina is a female quartet (three violins and a cello) from Iceland. If you have heard them before it is most likely through their touring/playing with Sigur Rós. I really enjoy their work; their performance in Screaming Masterpiece really impressed me (metallophones make me happy).
amiina.com – myspace – hypem search
Big Stereo is one of the main authorities when it comes to hunting down the latest of The Twelves remixes. I really enjoy the mixes and they are really what I look forward to when reading Big Stereo.
myspace – hypem search
Anyone’s Guess recently posted about Jason Schwartzman’s new musical venture Coconut Records. I really like the sound and agree with Scott that the track is “most especially felt when those choral background vocals kick in around the minute fifty mark.”
coconut records – myspace – hypem search
I am going to be AFK for about a week to go home and see my family for Thanksgiving. Here are seven of some of my favorite songs (and why) to tide you over. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Favorite song : 11th grade
The title of this song is wrong (the real title is an acronym). But the file has been wrongly named since I got it and I can’t remember the real name. Either way this band is from central, PA and I saw them live countless times. This was one of their strongest tunes.
Favorite song : driving around with band
We listened to this song over and over while driving around (to a show / from a show / to wherever). The point was we didn’t really care where we were going and we listened to this song as many times as possible; we eventually covered it pretty well (I thought).
Favorite song : skateboarding / snowboarding
The Cardigans are one of my all time favorite bands. This song in particular has been a favorite of mine to put on snowboarding mixes.
Favorite song : angsty teen
This song’s depressing realism is perfect for the angst filled teen years.
Favorite song : morning wake up
As I am sure my freshman-year roommate can attest to this, I listened to this song nearly every morning that year. The song still relaxes me beyond any other.
Favorite song : under 1.5 mins
At one minute twenty seconds length, who doesn’t enjoy this lyrical pop masterpiece. Mirah makes me smile.
Favorite song : summer
I know, I know, it is (almost) winter. This song is too good to not include it in this favorites list. I made a summer mix a few years back and it is really good and this was one of the key songs.
I hope you enjoy these. Stay safe and have a great Thanksgiving.
In preparation and anticipation for the Sigur Rós Hemia DVD release (Nov 20, US), I picked up the Icelandic pop music documentary Screaming Masterpiece. The film presents an in depth cross section of the current musical climate as well as the deep history of one of the most musically talented and original countries in the world. This is accomplished through full length song live performances from a multitude of Icelandic bands. I emphasize ‘full length song’ because it would have been much easier to only include excerpts and show more bands, however, the film impressed me with the full length songs. This is complemented by interviews with notable Icelandic music icons. Overall the film was moving and compelling as it is obvious that Icelandic bands truly ‘get it’ when it comes to music.
Music is the ultimate artform, it goes past the brain and cuts straight to the heart, you get goosebumps from listening to music, a physical response.
- Dagur Kári Pétursson (Slowbow)
I would recommend this film to anyone who is interested in Iceland or Icelandic music as well as to anyone who enjoys the music of any of the numerous bands that are included (see a few of the major ones below).
amína – apparat organ quartet – bardi jóhannsson – björk – jóhann jóhannsson mínus – mugison – múm – sigur rós – more
The Wombats‘ A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation is out (5 Nov). I picked up the album this week and it is as exceptionally enjoyable as I hoped it would be. I would highly recommend this album to just about anyone. Hopefully this release will serve as a launching platform for the band and we will hear many more enjoyably tracks from them in the future.
thewombats.co.uk – myspace – hypem search
The sky was candy posted this song earlier this month and I have been listening to it a lot more than I should be. It is such a catchy electropop tune. My only complaint is the ‘loud’ middle section. I can’t decide if I like the song or not and I have listened to it so many times I can’t even remember my first impressions. The band also has a whole bunch of free mp3’s at their record label’s website.
De Agtige – myspace – hypem search
3hive recently reminded me about Bishop Allen. I have been a fan of the DIY band for some time now and their first label release The Broken String (2007) is a classy accomplishment. I completely agree with Joe: “I could listen to Click Click Click Click all day.”
bishipallen.com – myspace – hypem search
Miracle Fortress will inevitably be on numerous “Top n albums of ‘07″ lists which should start trickling in soon. The debut album Five Roses plays towards the Brian Wilson influenced trend yet pervades through the clutter and presents originality and class. The album was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize of Canada but sadly did not win.
miracle fortress – myspace – hypem search
