Anyway, looking over their website, they do have quite an impressive collection, ranging from The Prisoner to Ennio Morricone to Clint Mansell. I should also mention that some of these are re-recordings, by new orchestras.
So below are some of the music that was offered to me. I should mention that some of these will be very brief and that I'm unfamiliar with many of these television shows (which is regional to Canada and the UK). Since I didn't grow up with these, I have no affiliation to them.
Let's get started, shall we?
MICHEL LEGRAND
Legrand is a legendary French composer, working in quite a few movies spanning over three decades. One of his more famous works includes the James Bond soundtrack to Never Say Never Again (1983).
Some key things before I talk about the actual release: (1) this is the first time in over twenty years that the soundtrack's been reissued for the United States and Canada (reissued 23 February 2010), (2) this was the last Sean Connery's James Bond and (3) Legrand replaced John Berry for this soundtrack (if you recall hearing Kristen rambling about how brilliant Berry is).
With that in mind, if you like James Bond, I would recommend getting the soundtrack. Unfortunately, at least to me, I always feel that soundtracks are generally served as background music. It's the type of music you put on while cleaning or doing the dishes.
However, there are some key songs that stood out for me. First is "Jealousy", a very 70s disco-ey and bass-rich song. It sounds almost funky, and I imagine something naughty in this scene (I have the Never Say Never Again on DVD, but I'm not going to rewatch it right now). The other song that caught my attention was "Bahama Island", because of its very Caribbean-style of music.
Of course, we also have the title track, sung by Lani Hall. I'm not sure if it's also her singing on "Une Chanson D'Amour", but I always welcome vocals when it comes to almost all-instrumental albums.
THE LITTLEST HOBO
Wow, listening to the theme song and instrumental to "The Littlest Hobo" made me wish I grew up in the 70s. Apparently this was originally a Canadian show in the mid-sixties. It got canceled, but came back to CTV in 1979 - and I think this is where the theme song is taken from (hear the original opening theme). The show is about stray German Shepherd who helps random people, similar to Lassie.
Although it's referred to as "The Littlest Hobo theme song", the actual song is called "Maybe Tomorrow", originally sung by Canadian artist Terry Bush, the music is backed by the London Music Works. This version from Silva Screen Music sounds much, much crisper than witnessed here.
Anyway, not much else to add to this one song, except it's a joy to listen to. It's quite perky, considering it's about hobo-ing around and not settling down.
THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
I was really looking forward to reviewing this I Hear A Symphony: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform the Classic Hits of Motown because I do like Motown and was interested in hearing what it would sound like on a grander and epic scale that only the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra can bring.
And they brought it.
In some ways, and not in a comical way, I have to smile at these reinterpretations because I'm just not used to hearing these songs with sweeping violins and amazing cellos and brass instruments. I'm assuming if you've ever heard these type of orchestra-style recordings to pop/rock artists such as Oasis, REM, and U2, then you'll feel right at home with this Motown version.
While it's unfair to dismiss these recordings as simply "Muzak" (this is a company that makes music for elevators), I can see why people will think that... although they'd be wrong because these songs are really exciting and bold. Just think of them as if they're music on a classy movie, not some b-movie.
Admittedly, I don't know an awful lot about Motown, and generally only know the hits. For instance, I don't know "Three Times a Lady" by the Commodores, which is a very slow song on the album. Also, I only know Mick Jagger and David Bowie's version of "Dancing In The Street" (the song was a cover of an old Motown artist, Martha and the Vandellas). I did think a lot about Bowie's hips and Jagger's lips though when I heard this orchestra version.
Other than that, you'll find yourself trying to sing to "My Girl", "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)", "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", and "Get Ready".
RED RIDING
Released February 23rd on a two-CD set, this compiles the soundtrack to the British made-for-television trilogy Red Riding (2009). Although I consider myself to being a big horror film buff, I have never heard of these films about the Yorkshire Ripper murders, and they are probably not available on Netflix (correction, Netflix has a listing, but these films are not available for rental yet.)
It would seem that the marketing for this material might be for UK residents, since the trilogy was made available as a video on demand via IFC Film library. So the more people that ends up watching this and finding they love the orchestral soundtrack, that they'll order this.
Each score of the film (1974, 1980 and 1983) were written by different composers, Adrian Johnston, Dickon Hinchliffe and Barrington Pheloung, respectively.
Like I said, since I don't really know the movies, listening to the soundtrack I can only imagine that these movies were very, very moody and very, very dark. There was an exception of "Eddie", as this starts off acoustically and feels like a sixties folk song.
I'm kind of partial to the 1980 soundtrack, due to Dickon Hinchliffe. I think he was part of the band the Tindersticks, who were not exactly a pop group. Their music actually sounds like a foreign soundtrack, which I think Hinchliffe explored further with Red Riding 1980. Check out "Your Answer" and you can definitely hear Tindersticks.
Incidentally, these films were based on David Peace's Red Riding books, and he published a final book called Nineteen Eighty-Three in 2002, which I don't think was adapted by IFC.
If you're interested in purchasing any of these soundtracks, as well as a million others, they are available in both CD and digital formats at Silva Screen Music. Their latest release is Chloe Soundtrack, the movie is not out until the end of the month, but Silva has the soundtrack available for purchase.
03/10/2010 02:20:52 ♥ vu (
) ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com
| jaklumen wrote: Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 4:55 AM |
[this is good] Unfortunately, at least to me, I always feel that soundtracks are generally served as background music.
Heretic! How dare you impugn the greatness of movie soundtracks!
Heh heh heh, nahhh, I'm teasing. Really. But for a time, I was really into collecting soundtracks (I still do, but not as much as I once did). And it was sometimes for musicals as well. I always enjoyed figuring out when a certain song appeared in a film, whether it was orchestral or commercial.
But soundtracks have changed a lot in how they've been presented over the last few decades.
It used to be that soundtracks would have a mixture of commercial tunes with a specific selection of the primary orchestral themes. That seemed to change in 1988 when Warner Bros. released two albums for Batman: one with Danny Elfman's orchestration (not long after he had left Oingo Bingo) and one with songs Prince had written for the film (although only one was actually used). And ever since then, the schism seemed to continue: one album for the orchestral-type music, and one for the songs the pop musicians wrote. Although the soundtrack for Mission: Impossible (the first movie adaptation with Tom Cruise) was written by two members of U2, there was an entire second album with commercial tunes that were never even used in the film.
Of course, I'm biased as a instrumentalist music student in school. But I loved that mixture of contemporary and classical in modern Hollywood soundtracks. I remember being in high school, practicing an adaptation of the overture to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and we got to the presentation of "Everything I Do, I Do It for You" and our moody director was conducting with sweeping flourishes of his baton and saying, "This is the greatest music of the 20th century" and I turned to a friend who was playing bassoon at the time (I was the tuba player) and we wondered aloud if he was referring just to the orchestral presentation or if he was really saying that about Bryan Adams. Heh heh!
and was interested in hearing what it would sound like on a grander and epic scale that only the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra can bring
Reminds me a bit of my father-in-law: he pretty much only likes "classically" presented music and some '60s folk (Pete Seeger). He doesn't like studio-produced stuff and generally will only like such a commercially-produced composition if it's played by an orchestra or sung by a boys' choir. Oh well. We have plenty of common ground on other things.
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03/13/10 Feast of Fools! Minneapolis
03/20/10 Triple Rock Minneapolis 03/27/10 Shuga Records Minneapolis Read More |
Minneapolis-born Paragraphs recently released You Can’t Make a Ghost Without Its Sheet, a six-song EP that resembles something Barret Oliver heard while flying with his Luck Dragon. Ambiguous and wistful, YCMGWIS channels Fantasia by way of drowsy co-ed mixers; if Bastian grew up, smoked a bowl, and gorged on Boards of Canada, no doubt he’d listen to Paragraphs.
The multi-instruminimalist group is comprised of three fresh faced musicians. These guys (and gal) look like students at a clean, Midwest liberal arts university. It’s impressive, then, that a band so young sounds so traveled. Where today’s youth are hell-bent on being simply loud and loudly simple, Paragraphs ups the creative ante with their complex, rich arrangements.
You Cant Make a Ghost Without Its Sheet is Paragraph’s debut EP. Besides challenging Yo La Tengo for Album Title Least Likely to Abbreviate, YCMGWIS recalls the rock factor of early Stone Roses in brand new digs, with a little Godspeed! thrown in for dark measure. It’s difficult to classify this style of music, though critics try. ‘Ambient,’ ‘experimental,’ ‘shoegaze’…no one adjective entirely fits.
“Let’s Meet Halfway (And Fall Apart)” could make the dance floor sway at night in the right ambient, Ambien-induced context; while “It’s Sunset at Midnight” imagines a Sergio Leone Western panorama through a Tarantino lens. There’s plenty to admire about YCMGWIS—full, organic compositions (as opposed to the cyber drone of electronica); yet one can’t help wondering if, during an age of hip, frenetic art pop, a band sans hooks and chorus can survive.
In the immortal words of Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.” Paragraphs continue to persevere in this Mason Jenningscape, with shows this month at the Triple Rock and Shuga Records in Minneapolis. Download You Can’t Make a Ghost Without Its Sheet at prgrphs.com. The EP is free in exchange for a donation towards the band’s next record. Limited edition, hand-packaged copies will be available at live shows. More information can be found HERE.
03/09/2010 17:02:46 ♥ lara (
/lara206.vox.com)
♥
prgrphs ♥ myspc ♥ twttr
|
If you live outside of the UK, chances are you've never heard of
Sharleen Spiteri and probably not of her earlier band, the Scottish band called Texas.
A few years ago, Spiteri dropped her band and went solo with Melody, an album that's more 60s pop, a la Nancy Sinatra, than Texas' standard eurodiscopop that made them famous in the late 90s (you should also know that the band started out in 1986 as a bluesy, southern rock band - in honor of their namesake).
Of course, the real reason why I was drawn to Texas was
because of Spiteri's white hot looks, but I was never an obsessive fan.
So I was surprise to find out that Spiteri is back now with another
solo album, this time, all movie covers... and as a cover lover, I
approve!
I did get a chance to listen to the whole album, which was released last week, and I'll have to say that it sounds more jazz than I expected. I tend to like the more pop-tracks, like "Xanadu", "Pretty Woman", and "Take My Breath Away" - a number that takes me back to that 80s Berlin song. I love it, don't you?
Anyway, as you can see from the music video of "Xanadu", Sharleen still looks as amazingly hot as she did in the Hush-era.
Here are the tracks and what movies they appear in:
A few years ago, Spiteri dropped her band and went solo with Melody, an album that's more 60s pop, a la Nancy Sinatra, than Texas' standard eurodiscopop that made them famous in the late 90s (you should also know that the band started out in 1986 as a bluesy, southern rock band - in honor of their namesake).
I did get a chance to listen to the whole album, which was released last week, and I'll have to say that it sounds more jazz than I expected. I tend to like the more pop-tracks, like "Xanadu", "Pretty Woman", and "Take My Breath Away" - a number that takes me back to that 80s Berlin song. I love it, don't you?
Anyway, as you can see from the music video of "Xanadu", Sharleen still looks as amazingly hot as she did in the Hush-era.
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| Track | Movie | Originally Artist |
| 1. "Xanadu" | Xanadu (1980) |
Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John |
| 2. "If I Can't Have You" | Saturday Night Fever (1977) | Yvonne Elliman / The Bee Gees |
| 3. "God Bless the Child" | Schindler's List (1993) | Billie Holiday |
| 4. "Between the Bars" | Good Will Hunting (1997) | Elliott Smith |
| 5. "The Sound of Silence" | The Graduate (1967) | Simon & Garfunkel |
| 6. "What's New Pussycat?" | What's New Pussycat? (1965) | Tom Jones |
| 7. "The Windmills of Your Mind" | The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) | Noel Harrison |
| 8. "Take Me with You" | Purple Rain (1984) | Prince |
| 9. "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" | Cat People (1982) | David Bowie |
| 10. "Many Rivers to Cross" | The Harder They Come (1972) | Jimmy Cliff |
| 11. "Oh Pretty Woman" | Pretty Woman (1990) | Roy Orbison |
| 12. "This One's from the Heart" | One from the Heart (1982) | Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle |
| 13. "Take My Breath Away" | Top Gun (1986) | Berlin |
03/09/2010 03:15:48 ♥ vu () ♥ sharleenspiteri.co.uk ♥ myspace.com/SHARLEENSPITERI
|
03/09/10 Diamond Ballroom Oklahoma City
Discography
03/10/10 House of Blues Dallas, TX 03/12/10 Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheatre - SOLD OUT! Austin, TX 03/13/10 House of Blues Houston, TX 03/15/10 Varsity Theatre Baton Rouge, LA 03/16/10 Tipitina’s New Orleans, LA 03/30/10 Commodore Vancouver, BC 03/31/10 Roseland Theatre Portland, OR 04/01/10 Showbox at the Market Seattle, WA 04/02/10 Showbox at the Market Seattle, WA 04/03/10 Showbox at the Market Seattle, WA 04/07/10 Wiltern Theatre Los Angeles, CA 04/08/10 Wave House San Diego, CA 04/09/10 Fillmore San Francisco, CA 04/10/10 Fillmore San Francisco, CA 04/13/10 Knitting Factory Boise, ID 04/14/10 The Depot Salt Lake City, UT 04/15/10 Fox Theatre Boulder, CO 04/16/10 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO 04/17/10 Midland Theatre Kansas City, MO 04/19/10 Pabst Theatre Milwaukee, WI 04/22/10 WXRV Earth Day Boston, MA 04/23/10 Music Box @ Atlantic City, NJ 04/24/10 Ram’s Head Baltimore, MD 04/29/10 Norva Norfolk, VA 04/30/10 9:30 Club Washington DC 05/01/10 9:30 Club Washington DC 06/03/10 BAMA Jam Enterprise, AL
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Citizen Cope is famous and he is loved. That's evident at the two recent sold-out show at The Varsity Theater
(the beautiful venue is huge, so selling out the place is pretty
impressive*). From what I've gathered, most of the people there last
night was also at Saturday's sold-out show, stating that it was also
quite crowded on Saturday.
The audience was surprisingly younger, about college age, a contrast to Gomez's parental audience. What this generally mean is that it gets rowdier and people tend to drink and act rude and don't mind pushing/crushing you. I couldn't really brave the front and eventually left and watch the rest of the show at a safe distance.
Citizen Cope's been steadily gaining fans since signing with DreamWorks Records, a division of the movie company of the same name. So it's no surprise that you'll find much of Cope's music on television and commercials. From a quick scan, I noticed his music's been used in quite a few HBO shows, so even if you haven't heard of Citizen Cope, you're likely have heard his music.
When Cope took the stage at eight, the crowd
went nuts. Citizen Cope looks tense and serious, while his backup band
looks smiley, but dressed and plays like they belong in a blues band.
He started his set with "Comin' Back", followed by "Let The Drummer Kick". I don't have the setlist (I don't think they actually had any on stage). The rest was a blur, but I do recall hearing "Hurricane Waters" with its catchy line, "I will carry you through the hurricane waters, and I'll remember you in the blue skies". Also, the clear favorite of the setlist was "Son's Gonna Rise", off of The Clarence Greenwood Recordings.
He also did "Healing Hands", from the new The Rainwater LP (released March 3rd via Rainwater Recordings), which actually sounds a bit reggae towards the end of the song. The song is available as a free download off his website.
The Rainwater LP is out now, as part of Amazon's $5 MP3 album promotion, and be sure to check out the rest of Citizen Cope's tour.
* Doubly impressive is that Cope is carrying the shows by himself, no opening band for support.
The audience was surprisingly younger, about college age, a contrast to Gomez's parental audience. What this generally mean is that it gets rowdier and people tend to drink and act rude and don't mind pushing/crushing you. I couldn't really brave the front and eventually left and watch the rest of the show at a safe distance.
Citizen Cope's been steadily gaining fans since signing with DreamWorks Records, a division of the movie company of the same name. So it's no surprise that you'll find much of Cope's music on television and commercials. From a quick scan, I noticed his music's been used in quite a few HBO shows, so even if you haven't heard of Citizen Cope, you're likely have heard his music.
|
■ Citizen Cope at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis 3-7-10
|
He started his set with "Comin' Back", followed by "Let The Drummer Kick". I don't have the setlist (I don't think they actually had any on stage). The rest was a blur, but I do recall hearing "Hurricane Waters" with its catchy line, "I will carry you through the hurricane waters, and I'll remember you in the blue skies". Also, the clear favorite of the setlist was "Son's Gonna Rise", off of The Clarence Greenwood Recordings.
He also did "Healing Hands", from the new The Rainwater LP (released March 3rd via Rainwater Recordings), which actually sounds a bit reggae towards the end of the song. The song is available as a free download off his website.
The Rainwater LP is out now, as part of Amazon's $5 MP3 album promotion, and be sure to check out the rest of Citizen Cope's tour.
* Doubly impressive is that Cope is carrying the shows by himself, no opening band for support.
03/08/2010 00:35:42 ♥ vu () ♥ citizencope.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ twitter.com
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03/08/10
Ogden Theatre Denver, CO
Read More
03/09/10 Belly Up Aspen Aspen, CO 03/12/10 The Orpheum Vancouver, BC 03/13/10 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, WA 03/14/10 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, WA 03/15/10 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR 03/17/10 Great American Music Hall SF, CA 03/18/10 Great American Music Hall SF, CA 03/19/10 Great American Music Hall SF, CA 03/20/10 El Rey Theatre LA, CA 03/21/10 El Rey Theatre Los Angeles, CA |
At first, I was a little worried that few people will show up to see
Gomez, considering that pre-sale ticket prices at the Fine Line Cafe
were $25 and that you had to be over eighteen to buy them... but all
that was thrown out the window when I heard that the show sold-out while I stood in a huge line outside the venue an hour before the doors opened.
I suppose it's not all the surprising, considering the size of the Fine
Line (it's tiny) and that many of Gomez's fans would've been with them since their
Mercury Prize-winning debut in 1998, and that they're probably all much
older and gainfully employed. That's exactly the kind of audience there
last night, mid-30's fans... but not older hipsters, more like settled down
parents-type.
This audience wholly welcomed and embraced the opening band, One eskimO (official / myspace). They seem really calm and laid back, playing most of their songs from their self-titled album.
"Givin Up", "Kandi", and "Hurricanes" (incidentally this track is not on their album) were the most well-received of the songs played. The later had an extra snare drum as well as possibly their most energetic song on their set. Also, as you can see from the message found on their setlist that they had specific instructions to the soundboard person. As written, they sometime switch out songs, but there was never a point where they seem indecisive on stage.
Apologies for the bad photos on One eskimO, they had insisted on playing a projection movie (the animated Eskimo shorts that is associated with the band). This required very low light, so resulting in poor pictures. Also, it seems kind of pointless for the projected movie, because the way the Fine Line Cafe stage is set up and Gomez's massive drumkit, that you only saw 20% (the top part) of the movie. Still, despite the lack of movie, the audience still loved them. I'm absolutely sure that they've gained a few fans this night.
The thing you should know about seeing Gomez, is that
they love guitars. Three guitarists, over nine visible guitars on stage
(there were a few offstage too!). The other thing you should know is that they seem to have quite a huge following. One girl said she'd seen Gomez three times in a row on this tour, with Chicago being the best night of what she's seen.
I was also a bit taken back that they had three singers: Ian Ball, Ben Ottewell, and Tom Gray. The three of them rotate through songs and the highlight for me was when they all sang on "Ruff Stuff" with the catch "darling (come back!), I've given up fags and drugs now, baby".
I was told that most of their setlist consists of songs from the new album, which I actually don't have a copy, but from what I've heard, it's good done live. But then again, all their songs are great live - perhaps that's why the band is releasing a series of live albums, with their first called Europe 2009. I saw the cardboard (with a sticker for a cover) at the merchandise table and was told that the band will (or was it have?) sign the album if you buy it. At the moment, the band is offering "Revolutionary Kind" as a free download, so you can check out the clear soundboard recording.
Anyway, they ended their set with "Shot Shot" (but minus the German intro) and "We Haven't Turned Around", both older songs and fan-favorites. By the way, you may recognize the later song from the movie American Beauty.
Normally, I will post one or two photos from my show, but most of these turned out really well, so I'm feeling generous.
PS, since many of their shows have been selling out, they've been adding additional shows on their schedule, particularly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you really want to see them, I suggest buying tickets early.
"Givin Up", "Kandi", and "Hurricanes" (incidentally this track is not on their album) were the most well-received of the songs played. The later had an extra snare drum as well as possibly their most energetic song on their set. Also, as you can see from the message found on their setlist that they had specific instructions to the soundboard person. As written, they sometime switch out songs, but there was never a point where they seem indecisive on stage.
Apologies for the bad photos on One eskimO, they had insisted on playing a projection movie (the animated Eskimo shorts that is associated with the band). This required very low light, so resulting in poor pictures. Also, it seems kind of pointless for the projected movie, because the way the Fine Line Cafe stage is set up and Gomez's massive drumkit, that you only saw 20% (the top part) of the movie. Still, despite the lack of movie, the audience still loved them. I'm absolutely sure that they've gained a few fans this night.
I was also a bit taken back that they had three singers: Ian Ball, Ben Ottewell, and Tom Gray. The three of them rotate through songs and the highlight for me was when they all sang on "Ruff Stuff" with the catch "darling (come back!), I've given up fags and drugs now, baby".
I was told that most of their setlist consists of songs from the new album, which I actually don't have a copy, but from what I've heard, it's good done live. But then again, all their songs are great live - perhaps that's why the band is releasing a series of live albums, with their first called Europe 2009. I saw the cardboard (with a sticker for a cover) at the merchandise table and was told that the band will (or was it have?) sign the album if you buy it. At the moment, the band is offering "Revolutionary Kind" as a free download, so you can check out the clear soundboard recording.
Anyway, they ended their set with "Shot Shot" (but minus the German intro) and "We Haven't Turned Around", both older songs and fan-favorites. By the way, you may recognize the later song from the movie American Beauty.
Normally, I will post one or two photos from my show, but most of these turned out really well, so I'm feeling generous.
PS, since many of their shows have been selling out, they've been adding additional shows on their schedule, particularly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you really want to see them, I suggest buying tickets early.
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03/07/2010 03:17:16 ♥ vu () ♥ gomeztheband.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ twitter.com
Read More |
Air Conditioning School is a long time coming from electro-wiz Chris Heidman (UltraChorus). Like, eight years coming, which, incidentally, is the shelf life of most indie-ventures.
As a former member of psych duo, Sukpatch, Heidman dipped his toes in rock music well before braving the depths of electronica. It makes sense that his current project would be some combination of past and present.
Air Conditioning School is more Fleet Foxes than, say, Moby circa 90s, yet there’s a lingering pop element that Fleet-pedants tend to shy away from. Blessed with an ear for fusion, Heidman breeds rich vocals and a triad of melodic arrangements. The offspring of this holy union is a transgendered beast of sorts, outwardly pretty with knotty innards.
Heidman describes his approach to Air Conditioning School as “[making] super honest music that is actually played rather than programmed.” Honest, sure, but his production instincts are not so easily hidden.
On tracks like “Busymore,” a steady beat ambles the length, energizing an otherwise mellow tune. Despite its title, “Wake Me Up” similarly soothes rather than arouses. Heidman emotes, honestly, beseeching the listener/world/universe/symbolic higher being to shake him from his dream state before he a). dies, b). gets older, c). forgets. The question may be rhetorical, but we have the answer: “No, Chris, I won’t wake you up.”
Not if it stifles the charm.
Joining Heidman in spirit and in action are fellow Minneapolis musicsmiths Clara Salyer (Total Babe) on bass and UltraChorus partner, Jeff Lorentzen on drums. “Wake Me Up” and “Busymore” are available for download at IndieRocket and iTunes. For more information, visit Air Conditioning School on Myspace. Also, be sure to check out the Juno-esque video for “Wake Me Up”: youtube.com.
03/06/2010 10:36:40 ♥ lara (/lara206.vox.com)
♥
myspace.com/airconditioningschool ♥ so-tm.com
|
03/11/10 Toronto - Drake Underground - Canadian Music Week Showcase
Read More
03/20/10 Hamilton - Absinthe - with Allosaurus |
DIGITS
digitsmusic.com ♥ myspace.com/digits1010 ♥twitter.com/digitsmusic
I really like Digits. Since I have to listen to a lot of music, they're generally music that's not meant for my taste, but once in a while, we get things that I really love.
Digits is basically a one-man band, Alt Altman, although he does get some help by Rebecca Applebaum ("Nonstop", "Endgame", and "Warrant For Your Love") and David Kates ("Endgame", "Volley Into The Night" and "Nonstop"). The album is called, Hold it Close, which may sound like Factory Records (think New Order, but sung in the style of the Church), even though, I'll bet that they'll probably disagree, considering that they lists themselves as fans of LCD Soundsystem and The Blow. As much as I like those bands, they're far too brash compared to the more quieter Digits.
So the problem, it seems to me, that as much as this introspective, synthy, bedroom music might appeal to mopey people like me, I don't honestly think that's what the young people want. Young people likes autotune and Owl City.
Altman suggested I check out "Nonstop", the closer on the album, which didn't really take with me. It's a song that only gets good at the 1:30 mark (when Applebaum sings on).
My favorite song is "Sarah". The subject is pretty simple, about meeting a girl on the dancefloor and when she disappear, you feel like you can't live without her. Check out the bassline on this song, it's incredible! Just hearing it makes me do a slow, sad, sad dance.
Download three free tracks, including "Sarah", at digits.bandcamp.com. If you like what you hear, it's only $5 CAD.
THE DIG
thedigmusic.com ♥ myspace.com/thedigisup ♥twitter.com/thedigisup
I had a lot of troubling finding The Dig online. Such is the problem with common names for bands.... and to add to the confusion, you may remember a band from the 90s called Dig (they were one of many bands, such as Superdrag, that was featured on MTV's Buzz Bin).
So this new band, it would seem that they are based out of New York. It would also seem that all the more established music blogs have already been clued into them. Most of these sites states one or two things: that they are young & energetic and that they're intelligent and smart.
Anyway, I have their album, Electric Toys for review, and I am pretty sure the album's not out yet. Normally, I would put Electric Toys on my pending review pile, but since they've started their tour, I thought I'd mention them here.
Currently, the only song you can purchase from them is "Look Inside" on iTunes. That song was recently featured on "Vampire Diaries", a show that I haven't gotten into - although a few months ago, the show's stars were arrested for "flashing" (if I can remember correctly, they were shooting a nude scene on top of a building and apparently unaware people called in the cops).
So, I don't really know what all the fuss is about regarding The Dig. I listened to Electric Toys and it seems to me to an average slacker rock album. I guess maybe New York indie rock bands aren't really my cup of tea, as I feel like they are all interchangeable (the Strokes, Vampire Weekend, The Bravery, The Walkmen ... etc).
I will say, however, that frontsman David Baldwin writes and sings a lot of lyrics on their songs. I did find myself liking the music and lyrics to a few of their songs: "Penitentiary", "For All Your Sins" and "You're Already Gone" ... but it's not enough to convince me that The Dig is the hot new buzz band.
digitsmusic.com ♥ myspace.com/digits1010 ♥twitter.com/digitsmusic
I really like Digits. Since I have to listen to a lot of music, they're generally music that's not meant for my taste, but once in a while, we get things that I really love.
Digits is basically a one-man band, Alt Altman, although he does get some help by Rebecca Applebaum ("Nonstop", "Endgame", and "Warrant For Your Love") and David Kates ("Endgame", "Volley Into The Night" and "Nonstop"). The album is called, Hold it Close, which may sound like Factory Records (think New Order, but sung in the style of the Church), even though, I'll bet that they'll probably disagree, considering that they lists themselves as fans of LCD Soundsystem and The Blow. As much as I like those bands, they're far too brash compared to the more quieter Digits.
So the problem, it seems to me, that as much as this introspective, synthy, bedroom music might appeal to mopey people like me, I don't honestly think that's what the young people want. Young people likes autotune and Owl City.
Altman suggested I check out "Nonstop", the closer on the album, which didn't really take with me. It's a song that only gets good at the 1:30 mark (when Applebaum sings on).
My favorite song is "Sarah". The subject is pretty simple, about meeting a girl on the dancefloor and when she disappear, you feel like you can't live without her. Check out the bassline on this song, it's incredible! Just hearing it makes me do a slow, sad, sad dance.
Download three free tracks, including "Sarah", at digits.bandcamp.com. If you like what you hear, it's only $5 CAD.
Tour Dates
03/05/10 The Parish* Austin, TX
03/06/10 The Parish* Austin, TX 03/09/10 Common Grd* Gainesville, FL 03/10/10 Crowbar* Ybor City, FL 03/11/10 Social* Orlando, FL 03/12/10 Hope Festival* Elkton, FL 03/13/10 Earl* Atlanta, GA 03/18/10 9:30 Club* Washington, DC 03/19/10 Highline Ballroom* NY 03/20/10 Mr Smalls* Millvale, PA 03/21/10 20th Century* Cincinatti, OH 03/24/10 Mojo's* Columbia, MO 03/26/10 Bluebird Theatre* Denver, CO 03/27/10 Sandbar* Vail, CO 03/28/10 Belly Up Aspen* Aspen, CO *w/ Portugal. The Man |
thedigmusic.com ♥ myspace.com/thedigisup ♥twitter.com/thedigisup
I had a lot of troubling finding The Dig online. Such is the problem with common names for bands.... and to add to the confusion, you may remember a band from the 90s called Dig (they were one of many bands, such as Superdrag, that was featured on MTV's Buzz Bin).
So this new band, it would seem that they are based out of New York. It would also seem that all the more established music blogs have already been clued into them. Most of these sites states one or two things: that they are young & energetic and that they're intelligent and smart.
Anyway, I have their album, Electric Toys for review, and I am pretty sure the album's not out yet. Normally, I would put Electric Toys on my pending review pile, but since they've started their tour, I thought I'd mention them here.
Currently, the only song you can purchase from them is "Look Inside" on iTunes. That song was recently featured on "Vampire Diaries", a show that I haven't gotten into - although a few months ago, the show's stars were arrested for "flashing" (if I can remember correctly, they were shooting a nude scene on top of a building and apparently unaware people called in the cops).
So, I don't really know what all the fuss is about regarding The Dig. I listened to Electric Toys and it seems to me to an average slacker rock album. I guess maybe New York indie rock bands aren't really my cup of tea, as I feel like they are all interchangeable (the Strokes, Vampire Weekend, The Bravery, The Walkmen ... etc).
I will say, however, that frontsman David Baldwin writes and sings a lot of lyrics on their songs. I did find myself liking the music and lyrics to a few of their songs: "Penitentiary", "For All Your Sins" and "You're Already Gone" ... but it's not enough to convince me that The Dig is the hot new buzz band.
03/05/2010 10:27:40 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com
W♥M Update: I'm very excited to have my good friend, Robin, as a special guest on our upcoming Britpopcast.
We'll be taking a stroll down memory lane, so be sure to tune in next
week. Other upcoming guests including the return of Kate & Lara.
Anyway, this article is just a play on words, and these bands aren't necessary real-life couples, but one can only dream, right?
Anyway, this article is just a play on words, and these bands aren't necessary real-life couples, but one can only dream, right?
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blowkisses.info ♥ myspace.com ♥ twitter.com This is a band that will suffer from that "can you google this" problem that plagues many bands with common words. I'm sure no one's worried about becoming too popular, then the lawsuits comes out and pretty soon they'll be making commercials for Hersey's Kisses. We'll see. Speaking of seeing, from the look of things, this is a duo between Jesse and Zinzi. Their first single is called "Bermuda", and based on just this song, I can tell you that they're not "disco" as their MP3 display. They're more like sensitive indiepop, with an obession of England's non-threatening music and books. Anyway, if you like indie music, it's definitely worth checking out. Or better yet, check them out live (although some of the shows seems to be DJ sets).
03/15/10 Mandrake/ Kisses DJ (Zinzi), LA, CA 03/18/10 SXSW Austin, Texas 03/19/10 XSW Austin, Texas 04/27/10 Single Release @Origami Vinyl, LA, CA 05/16/10 TBA DJ SET London 05/21/10 TBA DJ SET Madrid, Madrid 05/22/10 The Hobby Horse, London |
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primalstatic.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ twitter.com Described as "East meets West", this duo of HouFei Yang and Greg Thuman, offers their first single, "Waking Shadows", from their album, The Curtain of Many Faces. Their name, Primal Static, might be deceiving, since there's really nothing that primal or statically about them. This is, of course, based on their one song, which is available as a free download, I can tell you that it's loud and guitary. Thuman certainly sounds and plays like a real pro, while Yang probably handles all the background stuff that's unappreciated. Still, as loud and southern rock as that one song sound, I will bet you that they are probably fantastic live. Unfortunately, at this time, there's no live dates. For a limited time, you can grab both of their albums digitally for $10, more details at primalstatic.com. If you just want one song, you can do it individually via amazon. |
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codeinevelvetclub.com ♥ myspace.com Codeine Velvet Club are from Scotland, between Lou Hickey and Jon Lawler. While the name "Lawler" might mean nothing to you, he's actually Jon Fratelli, you know, of the Fratellis? Anyway, I was sent this Stone Roses cover song by Codeine Velvet Club. At first, as a Stone Roses fan, I absolutely dismissed it at first, but eventually got around to listening to it. It's basically a pop song, with a different take to the song at the end (a clash of brass instruments) and that they made it into a duet. Not fond of this song as a duet, I'll have to admit. They did get one thing right: that amazing bassline in "I Am The Resurrection" and the lyrics (they really clear up a few mumblings from Ian Brown, who is notorious for singing songs that people will mishear.) Unfortunately, they also capture the imperfection of the original song, particularly the middle part that just seems to drag on without lyrics. They're currently on tour:
03/18/10 KCMP @Day Stage Cafe Austin, TX 03/19/10 Musebox @ Rusty Spurs Austin, TX 03/20/10 Filter Party @ Cedar Street Austin, TX 03/20/10 Ride For Life @ Mellow Johnny’s Austin, TX 03/21/10 Showbox Sodo* Seattle, Washington 03/22/10 Roseland Theatre* Portland, Oregon 03/24/10 Fox Theatre* Oakland, California 03/26/10 Hollywood Palladium* Los Angeles, California 05/07/10 Queen Margret Union Glasgow, Scotland 07/17/10 Lovebox Festival 2010 London * supporting Metric |
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club-8.org ♥ myspace.com I know, I've joked before about S Club 8, aka S Club Juniors, a spinoff of the teen group S Club 7, as confusing as heck when it comes to the more serious, respectable, band called Club 8. So again, I'll stress, this is the Swedish duo of Karolina Komstedt and Johan Angergård. The band's seventh album, called The People's Record, will be out somewhen in May. If you're signed up on the Labrador's mailing list, you should've gotten a link to download the new single called "Western Hospitality", highly influenced by "afrofunk" and "krautrock", out on April 7th. According to articles and interviews, apparently the band was influenced by Brazilian music, hence a more "world"-type music found on their new upcoming record. While the hand drums and rhythms, definitely brings to mind africana, Karolina's sugary sweet vocals doesn't really go with the beats. It's different, if you were expecting the same Club 8, and this may be a good or bad thing for you. We do have a review copy, so I'll be putting it on my review pile, come next month. In the meantime, download "Western Hospitality" via Club 8's myspace. We love Club 8 around here, so be sure to read our previous articles. |
03/04/2010 23:46:44 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com
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04/27/10 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
Discography
04/29/10 Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour 05/13/10 Zurich, Switzerland – Kaufleuten 05/14/10 France – Nuits Sonores Festival 05/17/10 Belgium – Nuits du Botaniques Fest 05/18/10 Holland, Amsterdam – Paradiso 05/19/10 London, UK – 229 05/21/10 Paris, France – Alhambra
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This is a bonus news post for today. Jamie Lidell's been on the mind of Sally lately, so I thought I'd put together this article for her.
Lidell's new (pending) album is called Compass, to be released on Warp Records on May 17th (US residents will have to wait a full day). Fans who can't wait to hear the new album, you can head over to jamielidell.com and preview the album.
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JAMIE LIDELL and FEIST |
From the video, Jamie describes his time with Beck as being brief (with only three days) and that he was gutted that he had a cold. He ended up "shouting" his song.
Watch the rest of the video to hear more about his misadventures in making the album. Additional details, such as track listing, can be found on Warp.net
PS, for some reason, Lidell's beard inspired this quick vuart sketch above.
03/02/2010 13:38:56 ♥ vu () ♥ jamielidell.com
♥ myspace.com/jamielidell
♥ warp.net
DJ N-D
www.andyrourke.info
You know I'm a huge Smiths fan (yes, that's me, the one that touched Johnny Marr....) and wanted to mention that bassist Andy Rourke has a DJ gig at EastVillageRadio.com today (that's today, Tuesday, March 2nd at Noon ET). That's 11am in Minneapolis ? The press release was also confusing, it lists "Premieres Tuesday, March 3".
Here's the thing with online internet radio - it shouldn't be hard. East Village Radio has eight options, which looks like a fail to me. It woudn't hurt to just have a "play" button? Ideally, I would like one play button and eight "advance" options if I find that the standard 64k is too low quality, I can upgrade (especially if I have a higher bandwidth).
Anyway, unfortunately, I am not home to listen to the show (yes, like most people, I'm at work...) and
Incidentally: the best bass-ey Smiths song (besides from the bass remix of "This Charming Man") is "Barbarism Begins At Home". WOW, love that bassline.
siamusic.net ♥ myspace.com/siamusic
Yes, I'm officially available for covering shows. I will be at the Fine Line on April 24th, adoring the child-like person that is called Sia. Come say hi, I'm friendly!
Oooh, I think she'll be doing some Zero Seven songs on her live set? I hope so, I can't wait.
Her tour dates:
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Apr 10 2010 Commodore Vancouver, BC Apr 12 2010 Market Seattle, Washington Apr 13 2010 Wonder Ballroom Portland, Oregon Apr 14 2010 Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA Apr 17 2010 Coachella Festival Palm Springs, CA Apr 19 2010 House of Blues San Diego, California Apr 20 2010 The Marquee Phoenix, Arizona Apr 22 2010 Gothic Theatre Denver, Colorado Apr 24 2010 Fine Line Minneapolis, Minnesota Apr 25 2010 Vic Chicago Apr 26 2010 St. Andrews Detroit, Michigan Apr 28 2010 Phoenix Toronto, Ontario Apr 30 2010 Club Soda Montreal, Quebec May 1 2010 HOB Boston, Massachusetts |
May 2 2010 TLA Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 4 2010 9:30 Club Washington, Washington DC May 6 2010 Terminal 5 New York, New York May 8 2010 Rams Head Annapolis, Maryland May 12 2010 Falkoner Theatre Copenhagen May 15 2010 L’Aéronef Lille May 16 2010 Ancienne Belgique Brussels May 17 2010 MCV Utrecht May 18 2010 Olympia Paris May 20 2010 Astra Berlin May 21 2010 Große Freiheit 36 Hamburg May 23 2010 Muffathalle Munich May 24 2010 Theaterhaus Stuttgart May 25 2010 Gloria Cologne May 27 2010 Roundhouse - SOLD OUT London |
* Seeya soon!
gogolbordello.com ♥ www.myspace.com/gogolbordello
New album (Trans-Continental Hustle), touring dates, all the detail are on their announcement, courtesy of sonymusic.com.
Off topic: but I saw a movie called Everything Is Illuminated, that stars the singer from Gogol. I think this was before he was more known for being in this band. I guess, like Flea in Suburbia?
Anyway, having only seen music video footage, this looks like an amazing band to see live. Unfortunately, they're also quite popular, so expect very packed (if not sold out) shows. They are, incidentally, playing two dates in Minneapolis at First Avenue on April 24th and 25th.
Here's the full touring schedule.
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Tues Mar, 9 Filmore New York @ Irving Plaza Sun Mar, 28 Fremantle, AUS West Roots Blues Tue Mar, 30 Melbourne, AUS Billboard Wed Mar, 31 Sydney, AUS The Metro Fri Apr, 2 Brisbane, AUS The HiFi Sun Apr, 4 Byron Bay, AUS Byron Bay Blues Fest Mon Apr, 5 Byron Bay, AUS Byron Bay Blues Fest Sun Apr, 18 Montreal, QC Metropolis Tue Apr, 20 Toronto, ON Sound Academy Wed Apr, 21 Detroit, MI Royal Oak Fri Apr, 23 Chicago, IL Congress Sat Apr, 24 Minneapolis, MN First Ave Sun Apr, 25 Minneapolis, MN First Ave Wed Apr, 28 Boston, MA House of Blues Thu Apr, 29 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live Fri Apr, 30 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live Sat May, 1 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory Fri May, 7 London, UK Hammersmith Apolo # Sat May, 8 Manchester, UK Academy |
Sun May, 9 Glasgow, UK Academy Mon May, 10 Norwich, UK UEA Tue May, 11 Birmingham, UK Academy Fri May, 14 Bulligny/Nancy, FR JDM Fest Sat May, 15 Longirod, CH Longirock Sun May, 16 Karlsruhe, GER Tollhaus Tue May, 18 Paris, FR Elysee Montmartre Wed May, 19 Toulouse, FR Le Bikini Fri May, 21 Madrid, SP La Riviera Sat May, 22 Barcelona, SP Razzmatazz Mon May, 24 Bologna, IT Estragoon Tue May, 25 Milan, IT Alcatraz Wed May, 26 Zurich, CH Xtra Thu May, 27 Wien, AT Gasometer Tue Jun, 1 Amsterdam, NL Paradiso Wed Jun, 2 Hamburg, GER Docks Thu Jun, 3 Berlin, GER Astra/Columbia Halle Fri Jun, 4 Nuremburg, GER Rock im Park Sun Jun, 6 Nurburgring, GER Rock am Ring |
03/02/2010 10:54:20 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com
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