MP3 : Loney, Dear – I Am John
Loney, Dear’s album Loney, Noir came out way back in Febtober, but it has remained one of my favorite this year. Sorry for the short post, its going to be a long week. Also orbitfiles is down / not awesome anymore. I think I may buy some hosting. We will see.
loneydear.com – label – myspace – hypem search
The Scanners released their critically acclaimed debut album, Violence Is Golden, way back in June of 2006. Recently, Benedikt over at The Last Pop Song reminded me of their many upcoming remix releases. Bombs Remixes ‘digital only’ EP (23 Oct 2007) / Raw Remixes Single (5 Nov 2007) / Lowlife Remixes EP (16 Nov 2007). Also, I love this pic that Spin took of The Scanners’ front woman Sarah Daly at SXSW ‘07.
scannersmusic.com – myspace – hypem search
I wanted to write about Clare & The Reason a while ago. The only reason I haven’t yet was because of the lack of a high quality photo. It is obvious that they had a full photo shoot, but try finding a high resolution version of the thumbnails you see everywhere, good luck. I found one, eventually, but it was way too much effort. At any rate, I really enjoy Clare & the Reason’s work. The first time I heard Pluto it gave me chills. The Reasons really do an amazing job of orchestrating around Clare Muldaur’s elegant vocals. I highly recommend Clare & The Reason’s debut album The Movie.
claremuldaur.com – myspace – hypem search
Sambassadeur’s new album came out on Wednesday (24 Oct 07). I really appreciate the band’s “new, more luxurious direction,” as their label, Labrador records describes it. This new sound is most evident in the single Subtle Changes. You can stream the entire album over at last.fm at 128kbps.
sambassadeur.com – myspace – hypem search
I recently stumbled upon muruch, an extensive music blog. They offer a treasure trove of artists spanning 3 years *of archives (and all the mp3 links work!). While I was poking around over there I found Kate Havnevik. At first I was impressed with her vocals and the overall sound. Then I did my research and dug up a few other tracks and was thoroughly impressed, especially with the song New Day. Although the song is more forward and experimental, it really packs a punch, sounding similar to Röyksopp at times. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. Thanks for sharing muruch!
katehavnevik.com – myspace – hypem search
I have been waiting very (im)patiently for this movie to come out and it finally is premiering here (Colorado Springs) this Friday! I am super excited and the soundtrack looks amazing. Wes Anderson has yet to disappoint me, especially when it comes to soundtrack selection. A 13 min. prequel “Hotel Chevalier” is available for free from iTunes and includes the great Peter Sarstedt’s Where Do You Go (My Lovely).
fox searchlight pictures – trailer – hotel chevalier prequel
In the vein of female vocalist’s solo projects (read: Leslie Feist, Annie Clark, Shara Worden) My Brightest Diamond stands out. Shara Worden’s work with Sufjan Stevens is mesmerizing and she definitely carries the magic over to her solo endeavors. Muruch recently wrote a through play-by-play review of the band’s two most recent releases, the second of which is remixes of the previous.
mybrightestdiamond.com – myspace – hypem search
I intended to get A.A. Bondy’s album American Hearts when it came out on September 18, 2007. Needless to say, I just picked up the album and I wish I hadn’t waited. The album flows well and is full of original tunes that entertain with intricate lyrics and sooth with simple melodies. Vice Rag is especially entertaining and sarcastic. This album is worth picking up if you enjoy the genre.
superphonic records – myspace – hypem search
One two three four…
Faust Arp is the sixth track on Radiohead’s seventh full length album In Rainbows and is my personal favorite song of the album. Being the only song that die-hard Radiohead fans had never heard previous to the album’s release, Faust Arp was anticipated to be a musical interlude, a throw away (ala Hunting Bears). No one would have expected that Faust Arp would be one of the premier tracks of the album. Below is a brief description of the track.
Thom begins by delicately placing the lyrics in succession, all the same note (F#), with occasional harmonies (B), until the lyrics “reasonable and sensible” (“duplicate and triplicate” in verse two) where he climes chromatically until reaching the culmination (B). Just after reaching the climax Thom returns, settles, and ends the verse. All the while Thom is articulating the subtle lyrics with simplicity, his voice is enveloped with a string quartet’s spinning harmonies and the guitar’s syncopated chords. For the conclusion, “You’ve got a head full of feathers, you got melted to butter” Thom joins the strings, spanning the octave. Finishing the theme, the lower strings settle together.
Also, on the note of In Rainbows, Puddlegum has an interesting article about the album and the hidden meaning / interpretation, especially in relation to OK Computer. Another interesting find over at Mortigi Tempo; it seems there is a ‘hidden’ background chorus at aprox. 2m49s into Reckoner, which happens to be the golden ratio of the album. Interesting stuff.
radiohead.com – faust arp chords – faust arp lyrics
I have been listening to The Most Serene Republic’s second full length release, Population, almost non-stop for the last two weeks. I particularly enjoy the full range sound and orchestration of the album. The number of sounds that the Canadian indie rock band utilizes seems innumerable yet the overarching themes remains consistent. Although the intro, Humble Peasants, is not one of the major tracks it introduces the listener to the wonders that are about to unfold by opening with an orchestra tuning and then slowly molding into an elaborate anthem-like wonder. This alone sold me, however, the album continues to delight and entertain throughout. The climactic track, Sherry and her Butterfly Net, serves as a reflection of the entire album, beginning with an emotional piano that introduces the energetic melody that follows. I highly recommend this album.
themostserenerepublic.com – myspace – hypem search
