9 posts tagged “single”
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Talking to people, I get the impression that no one is really all that excited about the new X-Files movie that was just released on Friday. Admittedly, since I'm an old-school X-Philer, I own every X-Files season on DVD (defnitely not looking to re-buy it on bluray).
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I am going to see the movie today (Sunday) - in the meantime, enjoy this little tribute article to The X-Files music.
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Obviously, with the success of the television show, an album "inspired by the X-Files" called Songs in the Key of X was released in early 1996. The compilation sold very well, partly due to the popularity of the show and its respectable artists on the credits, such as Nick Cave, Soul Coughing, and Danzig.
There's even a PM Dawn remix of the X-Files theme that sounds a Spaghetti Western dance mix. A very interesting mix, but I did prefer the original songs. Soul Coughing did a great job on their song "Unmarked Helicopters", about men in black.
It wasn't long before Mark Snow's original soundtrack for the television show was released, called The Truth and the Light: Music from The X-Files. The music are taken from the first three seasons (1993-1995) - including that familar X-Files Theme song. Some of the songs are nice and relaxing, but as they were designed to be background music, nothing really stood out for me. There is an occassional dialogue excerpt from the show mixed into some of the songs, but outside of that this album is meant only for hardcore X-File fans.
When the first movie, Fight the Future, hit the theaters, back in '98, the soundtrack was also released. I picked this up through our friends the BMG. The track listing seems to compile the typical artists of that time period (notably Ween, The Cure, & Better Than Ezra).
I believe all the songs were written especially for the movie, and the ones I used to listen to a lot was The Dust Brothers's version of "The X-Files Theme", Noel Gallagher (Oasis)'s "Teotihuacan", and The Cardigans' "Deuce". The last song seems more like a love song, I'm not sure where it actually appeared in Fight the Future, but it's been years since I saw that movie. It's actually one of the few X-Files DVD that I'm missing because when I bought it originally (via the internet), that company went bankrupted and never shipped my DVD.
This finally brings us to the new soundtrack, The X-Files: I Want to Believe, which was released a few days ago, July 22nd. I have only picked it up hours today, so I haven't really listened to it. Mark Snow does most of the instrumental stuff, but there are two songs of note on here: "Broken" by Unkle and what sounds like a rap song called "Dying 2 Live" by Xzibit.
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In the bonus segment of this article, here are songs that were inspired by the television show. From Britpop, comes Catatonia with their song, "Mulder and Scully". I used to really love this song, but it sort of wore thin when I realized that there were only a handful of great songs from their 1998 International Velvet. Although this won't be an in-depth article on Catatonia, I do have a most of their releases that I want to talk about (particularly Cerys Matthews' solo material). |
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As far as I know, "Extremis" was the only song that's ever released by Gillian Anderson. With an mixer outfit called HAL (a nod to 2001: A Space Odyssey?). With the techo beats and Anderson's deep, sexy voice (with loads of heavy breathing), it comes off (haha) like a porno song. I actually don't know much about HAL, or where Anderson's music career is right now, but what I do know is that back in 1997, "Extremis" ruled the various trance/ambient compilation CDs. I remember all the entertainment television show was talking about Gillian Anderson's venture in music. Too bad nothing ever came of it, because, "Extremis" is a pretty good song. |
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Bree Sharp's "David Duchovny" was a big hit for her, possibly a
one-hit wonder if you ask me. She's released one additional album since
her 1999 debut, A Cheap and Evil Girl. Looking over at her myspace, there seems to be an indication of a brand new 2008 album called Robots in Love. Anyway, this stalker song is really about the actor that plays Agent Fox Mulder, it's quite funny - especially at the end when she says "I'm gonna kill Scully." |
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Not to be outdone is Yellow Sloth Chicken Broth's lustful song about Gillian Anderson, the actress that plays Agent Dana Scully. The punk song complains how she never shows off her cleavage (except on the internet), and it's pretty forgettable. It's safe to say that he wants to be with her in a three way or something? You can find this song on their Party Of Four (1998) album. |
Links:
weheartmusic.com
| vu wrote: Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 9:42 PM |
![The X-Files: I Want to Believe [Theatrical Release]](http://a6.vox.com/6a00cd970e4cda4cd500fa968b6b0e0002-200pi)
I'm choosing my words carefully, as to not give you any spoilers.
First of all, you do not need to know any X-Files before venturing to see this movie, it does hold up to a stand-alone film... but it does help to have known the show as there are winks that only loyal fans would understand.
I did enjoy the film overall, but I believe if you don't care about the X-Files, this would come off as a pretty standard crime/police movie with a little bit of the unknown/supernatural.
I've seen a LOT of movies, and what works here is the "real life" coppers and evildoers. I like it when the movie is grounded in reality - and it plays off like "Silence of the Lambs", where you're given bits of clues and you sort of "piece together" the story as it unfolds.
Where the movie fail is the incredibly, unbelievable, even ridiculous premise. You will know what I'm talking about once you've seen the film.
Other failure: relationships of Fox and Dana. Who is asking for this??? Not me. The movie would've worked if we never know (it would've been better if you didn't know). The unveiling of the answer hit you like a brick in the face, WTF.
If you like crime drama/thriller, this might be a movie for you - if you've never cared for the X-Files or thrillers, skip this movie. For X-Files fan, you must see this movie. It feels good to see it on the big screen, and I'll pick up the bluray of this when it's released.
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My favorite genre of music growing up as a teenager in the late 1970's and early 1980's was the stylistic New Romantic movement beginning primarily in the UK. Typical musical proponents of the New Romantic movement were Spandau Ballet, Visage, Japan, Ultravox, Landscape, Adam & The Ants, Culture Club, and Duran Duran - especially during the period from mid-1979 to mid-1983. Some other bands include (to some extent) Simple Minds, A Flock Of Seagulls, Kajagoogoo, Classix Nouveaux, Naked Eyes, and ABC.
The New Romantic movement was similar to that of the glam rock movement in the UK during the early 1970's, in that (male) New Romantics often dressed in caricaturally counter-sexual or androgynous clothing and wore cosmetics in the New Wave extension of (or reply to) punk fashion, with frilly "fop" shirts from the English Romantic period. David Bowie was an obvious influence and interestingly his 1980 single "Fashion" was influenced by and was simultaneously considered to be something of an anthem for the New Romantics, as were Brian Eno and Roxy Music.
The genre's genesis took place largely through clubs such as Billy's in London, which ran David Bowie and Roxy Music nights in the aftermath of punk. This evolved into the Blitz Club and later Hell, which were hosted by Steve Strange (the doorman) and Rusty Egan (the DJ) and in many ways defined the sound of the movement. Boy George was the cloakroom attendant who was fired by Steve Strange for stealing money.
Of the many differences from
glam, however, was that instead of guitar rock, the music was largely
synthesizer based electronic music. Now from my understanding as I
recall, the Danceteria in NYC was an early champion for spotting the
movement, and the Underground in NY had Spandau Ballet for a
performance in 1981. As I recall, this was the beginning of the
movement in America.
By 1983, California saw a slight shortening and "New Ro" (newro) became a trend among teens looking for synthetic medium between the surf and ska inspired "Mod", and the rougher guitar-based punk scene with the Dead Kennedys, the Adolescents, etc.
As with many trends in fashion and music, New Romantic was revived in England in the mid-1990's as a movement called Romo (romantic modern) in clubs such as Club Skinny. Orlando is generally seen to have been the most successful Romo group, and Electroclash, Fischerspooner and others were briefly popular. Personally, I am always looking for new ways and places to help keep the spirit of the music alive!
04/05/2008 09:38:46
todd
my♥posts
www.weheartmusic.com
The theme for these reviews are Singles and EPs. Reviewing singles and especially 1-track songs are fast and easy, because obviously I'm not vested in hours listening to a full length album.
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Saint Bernadette - I Wanna Tell You Something... W♥M favorites Saint Bernadette have a new EP called I Wanna Tell You Something... to be released March 17th (although the street date announced on their myspace is closer to March 4th). Please refer to my original article to read about the band. It looks like they (and EVERY other band!) are going to be playing at SXSW this year as well as a few unconfirmed dates. [ read more ] |
The Black Crowes - Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution I have The Black Crowes's Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution 1-track radio promo here. There's really not a whole lot to write about when you're just given one song to listen to. The good news is that if you like old The Black Crowes, this song sounds exactly like what they sounded like on their quadtriple southern blues/rock album, Shake Your Moneymaker - which is not a bad thing at all if you dislike change. [ read more ] |
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Télépathique Télépathique are a dance groove/big beat/DJ duo consisting of Mylene (who does all the vocals) and Erico Theobaldo (who handles all the drums, turntables, and various programming), based out of São Paulo, Brazil. I believe they are already a big hit throughout Europe and their hometown with their album Last Time on Earth (2006), but Americans will finally hear about them through their debut North American single: Love & Lust to be release March 18 on The Control Group. [ read more ] |
Arianna Solare - Book of Us
Arianna Solare, a singer from Los Angeles, California, released her debut EP called Book Of Us sometime late last year. Looking at her myspace, I thought she is a one-woman folk singer, but this EP has a full backing band of Angelo Vermuelen (guitars), Henrik Linde (bass), Chris Steele (drums), Brent Arnold (cello), and Dan Trollinger (piano). [ read more ] |
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Delorentos Delorentos are a rock band from Dublin, Ireland. It looks like they've released at least six singles/EPs and one debut album (In Love With Detail, 20 April 2007). They were kind enough to provided me with one song from their Basis of Everything EP. The song starts off really slow and quiet, but when it picks up (exactly at the 1 minute mark), it's pretty good. I definitely like the energy and the guitar work on the later half of the song. [ read more ] |
Goodtimes Goodtimes Goodtimes Goodtimes is basically Franc Cinelli, who plays something he calls "alt-folk". His debut album is called Glue (which I think was released in 2007), which I was only offered a few songs his website. Although he's Italian, he did grow up in London, so his songs only have a British accent. Between the four songs I have, I think with its jangly acoustic guitars, I liked "Kids" the best. [ read more ] |
02/25/2008 08:25:53
vu
my♥posts
weheartmusic.com
I like what Smooch Records is doing, re-releasing hard-to-find and obscure music on compact discs (as Ceji previously pointed out with Soul Merchant). Most of the songs on their latest release, Local Anesthetic (available February 25th, but I'm sure you can buy it now on their website), compiles old 7" singles from the defunct Local Anesthetic record label (founded by Wax Trax Records's Duane Davis).
There are over thirty tracks on the album, and while thirty may initially sound like a lot of songs - you have to realize that these are old DIY punk songs.
I'll break down on some of the Colorado bands here:
FRANTIX
This would've been considered grunge music, if only
they existed during the early 90s. Instead, I think these guys long
broke up in the 80s and their song "My Dad's a F***ing Alcoholic"
remains the biggest hit single from Local Anesthetic label.
Interesting enough, since they have that grunge sound, this band eventually became Fluid who went on to sign with "grunge-label" Sub Pop.
YOUR FUNERAL
Putting the 'fun' back into funeral should be their motto.
I really dig this New Wave/Post-Punk band. One listen to this and you start seeing influences from Siouxsie And The Banshees or The Cure. The two songs compiled here ("I Wanna Be You" and "The Abyss") left me wanting more.
I tried digging up any information, but unfortunately with such a common moniker and relatively obscureness, there's absolutely nothing on them.
What I can tell you is that this 7" was released in 1982 and the band consists of three women: Jeri Rossi (vocals/guitars), Karen Sheridan (bass) and Celo Tilde (percussion).
THE DEFEX
This was a Sex Pistols/The Ramones-inspired band from the late 70s. At first, I thought their name is a play off Fedex, but it just occurred to me that it's off of defects.
Although there aren't much on them on the internet, I did manage to track down singer Steve Kulpa's website, which contains a pretty comprehensive information on The Defex.
What's interesting to note is that, according to Smooch's press release, only 100 copies of the Defex single exists and fetches over $400 on ebay if you can find them.
JERI ROSSI
I guess after Your Funeral broke up, she went solo.
Her solo stuff sounds more angry and even a little experimental. You can hear it in her song, "I Left My Heart But I Don't Know Where". The B-side to that single is "It's a Man's Man's Man's World", which I believe is a James Brown song. But her version seems slightly more depressed and not so much the funk :)
THE GLUONS
...is one of the few bands that's actually still together. You can find more details about them on myspace, where you'll notice that they're actually playing a few live concerts around the Dayton, Ohio, area.
I definitely wanted to mention this band because Birdbrain was the first single released by Wax Trax and features Allen Ginsberg reciting poetry!
Today's punk and DIY music fans should definitely check out this compilation. These are only a few bands that I've decided to spotlight, and if you like what you hear, you'll love the rest of the album.
02/19/2008 19:44:48
vu
my♥posts
smoochrecords.com
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Yep, it's nearing the end of the year and everyone's doing their top stories of the year. I have so many favorites that I'm splitting them by categories. This is the Shoegazing/Dreampop Top 7 for 2007.
To my ear and understanding, Dream Pop and Shoegazing/Shoegaze are essentially the same, deriving from from the 80s 4AD sound (the most famous being The Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance). The term 'shoegazing' was coined by Melody Maker in the early 90s because the musicians in these groups does nothing but stand and stare at the floor.
This quote from wikipedia made me laugh at the generalization of the look and sound of Dream Pop:
The essence of the music is a focus on ethereal textures and moods, rather than on propulsive rock riffs. Breathy, high-register female vocals (and androgynous male vocals) are the preferred means of lyrical delivery; lyrics are generally introspective and existential in nature. Cover art tends to consist of blurry pastel imagery and/or stark minimalist designs.
You may noticed that bands such as Lush aren't listed here, that's because the songs represented here aren't Shoegazing, but more rock (Lush's sound changed shortly after Split was released). Maybe in 2008, I will have to write about the pre-Split Lush. Also, will someone do coverage on My Bloody Valentine already?
Special thanks to Gus, Cristina, and Michael for submitting some of these articles:
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12/22/2007 13:13:44
vu
my♥posts
www.weheartmusic.com
More music for your weekend!
Written for We♥Music by Gus
vox // e-mail // last.fm
Fronted by Illinois natives Elzie Sexton and J. Caleb Means, New Ruins has a crossroad sound that only the midwest can define -- it is a juncture of old and new sounds. Their debut album is full of indie rock power, replete with upbeat tempos and down-trodden vocals, heady guitars and magnetic riffs; this is not an album for casual listeners. From the very moment the first chords of "Ships" comes blasting out of your speakers (and it has to be blasted, trust me), you'll know you're in for a wild ride.
The duo trade vocals throughout the album, lending a nice change of pace. The magic of The Sound They Make comes from the contrast from song to song. There's an obvious midwestern country feeling to some of them ("I'll Sleep In Your House" comes to mind immediately), but they maintain the atmospheric splendor of a rock outfit. And this band really nails atmosphere down. There are the obligatory acoustic guitars (they couldn't be alt-goth country without them), but there are layers and layers of bells, keyboards, and God-knows-what-else strewn in there to give it a dreamscape depth.
While the album does have a few slow spots ("Outside," specifically), I can't really hold it against them. This band was, after all, a project in long distance record making. Both Sexton and Means transferred recorded bits of music on tape cassette while away at different colleges before compiling all their songs into the album we have before us. And for a debut album, it's a fantastic first step into the world from a promising band.
Their single, "Ships," is available as a free download from Parasol Records (clicking initiates download). Give it a shot: roll down the windows, turn up the speakers, and head west.
Last year, I had this stupid idea about my Winter Mix CD - I was going to get people to just send me songs and I would put it together and everyone who contributed would get a copy. I didn't get nearly enough songs to fill up a CD, and then I sort of just forgotten about it.
This time around, I realized that I've already gotten enough songs to make a CD - off weheartmusic! I will also be including a printed booklet, see example photo.
So, I wanted to mention that I bought a CD based on a review by Gus and the strength of the song (which I'm re-posting here).
I saw the CD at Best Buy for $7.99 on sale. The packaging is a cardboard digipak. The image on the cover is slightly raised and the tri-fold-out is in all blue with the words "23" in the center. There were no lyric book or liner notes... in fact, there's no information at all! On the CD it has the track listing and their website Blonde-Redhead.com (it directs you there for more information on this CD). Their website doesn't even have any information on "23", by the way.
Well anyway, I've only listened to half the album, but it's pretty good so far. There's a guy singing on a few of the songs, which caught me off guard.
| 秀吾 wrote: Apr 14, 2007 at 9:46 PM |
I got this album recently, and I think it's great. So far, on the whole I still prefer their previous album, Misery Is A Butterfly. Anyways, here is a song from their Melody Of Certain Damaged Lemons album which is also great.
Title: "Postcards From Italy"
Album: Gulag Orkestar
There's something almost charming about Eastern Europe folk music. I'm not quite sure what it is -- I can't think of anything dorkier than a bunch of mustachioed ex-Soviets pounding away on big kettle drums and blaring loud, brassy little ditties on trumpets, trombones, or, for that matter, the good ol' Tuba. But when you really listen to it, there's something downright irresistible about the whole shebang.
Then again, I might just be crazy.
Whatever the case may be, Beirut is one of those bands that sort of came out of left field a while ago and took the whole indie music world by storm. I was introduced to them by a friend of mine while I was in school in Monterey. I was riding shotgun to go see some movie or another, and this song came on his iPod. By the divine magic of shuffle, "Postcards from Italy" immediately began to fill the inside of his Jetta. I can't think of a single more fitting manner or place to be introduced to such a song. Everything about this song screams summer time music -- it has that golden, lilty sort of atmosphere to it that you get when thinking about merry-go-rounds, or that one time at the beach when you were fourteen, and you tried to seduce every girl that walked your way with funnel cake and a big, powdery smile.
And I'm sure everyone out there has heard this particular track. But, well, darn-it, today was just sunny and warm enough to give me a taste for summer, and this song came on...
--Gus
And that's the magic of Citrus; every obscure, whispered lyric, every sneaky little guitar riff is well played. It's pop brilliance, and a return to a genre that, quite frankly, needed a returning-to.
Their video for the single "Thursday" is a pretty decent visual representation of the shoegaze "sound." It's pastel, hazy, and definitely dream-like. If you like this, the mp3 is free to download at their website, as well as several more from various other albums. They're on tour now with The Appleseed Cast, which is a story for another day.
--Gus
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