They just released a new album this week and are now releasing a new video to go with it. The song "Man on Fire" by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros (do they allow abbreviations of their name - ESMZ?) was already pretty incredible, so they made an even more incredible video to go with it. The video will remind you of your childhood, provided that you participated in tumbling, cheerleading, jump-rope, ballet or stepping (which I think should cover a good percentage of you). The closest I came was stepping.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
New Music Tuesday - 5/29/2012
Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros - Here
Maybe this is sad to say, but my introduction to Edward Sharpe was through a solo album by Alex Ebert (the lead singer and I realize that his name is not Edward Sharpe) suggested to me by a friend of mine. That album was released last year, but the debut Edward Sharpe album was released two years before that. I'm very happy for the introduction; while I had heard of the band, I had kind of assumed they sounded like the Magnetic Fields (maybe because of the word "magnetic"...). While I love the Magnetic Fields, there's only so much of that style I can actually take (maybe about 69 songs or so), so it's great that they do have a much different sound than their name-brothers.
"That's What's Up"
M83 - Reunion EP
Remixes can be a real mixed bag for me, but some music is better suited to it than others. M83's work is among that which lends itself well to other artists remixing the sound. This remix EP, the second from his Hurry Up, We're Dreaming album released last year, features remixes by White Sea, Sei A and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
"Reunion"
Paloma Faith - Fall to Grace
England seems to have a wealth of strong-voiced female singers. Unfortunately for many of them, us Americans are stuck on Florence + The Machine and Adele. Paloma Faith is a an artist that deserves more attention from our ears though. She'd probably get it if it weren't for Florence (still love Flo, though). She has a similar epic, showy style and a penchant for complicated outfits.
"Picking up the Pieces"
Regina Spektor - What We Saw from the Cheap Seats
I loved Begin to Hope when it came out (who didn't) in 2006. Her followup, Far, left me a little cold; it wasn't bad, but it didn't quite capture the same magic. I think this may be a return to form in my early listens. I know I love the leading single, "All the Rowboats," and quite enjoy the other songs, as well.
"All the Rowboats"
Sigur Rós - Valtari
I recently saw a poster at my local record store reading, "Like Björk, Sigur Rós is from Iceland, but they aren't as weird" (or something to that effect). I'd say that's a pretty awesome endorsement for the band...though they are a little weird (Jónsi plays his guitar with a violin bow, for goodness sake). This album sees them slowing down their sound and moving even further into the ambient space as they've ever gone.
"Ekki múkk"
Simian Mobile Disco - Unpatterns
Electro/House music can be a difficult genre to just sit around and enjoy, so much of it ends up sounding like it's been made only for the club (which, I realize, may often be the case). SMD pull themselves from that element slightly, though I can't pinpoint what makes it seem less...rave-y. I guess I could say that their songs are fairly succinct and have a more standard song structure to them.
"Seraphim"
The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap
Sophomore albums can be a dangerous game for many bands. If their debut was successful enough, many fans will expect more of the same sound and want to hear the same sound that drew them in, a band also needs to grow and challenge themselves. I think The Temper Trap have done the latter, which is not a bad thing...though it will alienate some fans. They've grown out of the more conventional indie rock sound, which a lot of bands were doing in 2009, in favor of one that brings in more synthetic elements, which...admittedly...a lot of bands are doing now, too.
"Need Your Love"
The Walkmen - Heaven
Thanks to the magic that is NPR pre-streaming, this had already become one of my favorite albums of the year two weeks before it was actually released. It's a different sound for the band, a much bigger jump than the one between You& I and Lisbon. Everything about the album seems a lot more personal. From the pictures released as promotional material to the lyrical content of the songs, you know that they are now singing more about their lives, their loves and their families. It's quite sweet (so many adorable kids in the album artwork), but it works, too. Hamilton Leithauser's strong vocals seem to carry so much more purpose.
"Love Is Luck"
Maybe this is sad to say, but my introduction to Edward Sharpe was through a solo album by Alex Ebert (the lead singer and I realize that his name is not Edward Sharpe) suggested to me by a friend of mine. That album was released last year, but the debut Edward Sharpe album was released two years before that. I'm very happy for the introduction; while I had heard of the band, I had kind of assumed they sounded like the Magnetic Fields (maybe because of the word "magnetic"...). While I love the Magnetic Fields, there's only so much of that style I can actually take (maybe about 69 songs or so), so it's great that they do have a much different sound than their name-brothers.
"That's What's Up"
M83 - Reunion EP
Remixes can be a real mixed bag for me, but some music is better suited to it than others. M83's work is among that which lends itself well to other artists remixing the sound. This remix EP, the second from his Hurry Up, We're Dreaming album released last year, features remixes by White Sea, Sei A and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
"Reunion"
Paloma Faith - Fall to Grace
England seems to have a wealth of strong-voiced female singers. Unfortunately for many of them, us Americans are stuck on Florence + The Machine and Adele. Paloma Faith is a an artist that deserves more attention from our ears though. She'd probably get it if it weren't for Florence (still love Flo, though). She has a similar epic, showy style and a penchant for complicated outfits.
"Picking up the Pieces"
Regina Spektor - What We Saw from the Cheap Seats
I loved Begin to Hope when it came out (who didn't) in 2006. Her followup, Far, left me a little cold; it wasn't bad, but it didn't quite capture the same magic. I think this may be a return to form in my early listens. I know I love the leading single, "All the Rowboats," and quite enjoy the other songs, as well.
"All the Rowboats"
Sigur Rós - Valtari
I recently saw a poster at my local record store reading, "Like Björk, Sigur Rós is from Iceland, but they aren't as weird" (or something to that effect). I'd say that's a pretty awesome endorsement for the band...though they are a little weird (Jónsi plays his guitar with a violin bow, for goodness sake). This album sees them slowing down their sound and moving even further into the ambient space as they've ever gone.
"Ekki múkk"
Simian Mobile Disco - Unpatterns
Electro/House music can be a difficult genre to just sit around and enjoy, so much of it ends up sounding like it's been made only for the club (which, I realize, may often be the case). SMD pull themselves from that element slightly, though I can't pinpoint what makes it seem less...rave-y. I guess I could say that their songs are fairly succinct and have a more standard song structure to them.
"Seraphim"
The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap
Sophomore albums can be a dangerous game for many bands. If their debut was successful enough, many fans will expect more of the same sound and want to hear the same sound that drew them in, a band also needs to grow and challenge themselves. I think The Temper Trap have done the latter, which is not a bad thing...though it will alienate some fans. They've grown out of the more conventional indie rock sound, which a lot of bands were doing in 2009, in favor of one that brings in more synthetic elements, which...admittedly...a lot of bands are doing now, too.
"Need Your Love"
The Walkmen - Heaven
Thanks to the magic that is NPR pre-streaming, this had already become one of my favorite albums of the year two weeks before it was actually released. It's a different sound for the band, a much bigger jump than the one between You& I and Lisbon. Everything about the album seems a lot more personal. From the pictures released as promotional material to the lyrical content of the songs, you know that they are now singing more about their lives, their loves and their families. It's quite sweet (so many adorable kids in the album artwork), but it works, too. Hamilton Leithauser's strong vocals seem to carry so much more purpose.
"Love Is Luck"
Sunday, May 27, 2012
On Repeat: "We Can't Be Beat"
The Walkmen release their new album, Heaven, this coming Tuesday and I'm already pretty obsessed with the release (thank you for streaming, NPR!). While all the songs on the album are great, I've become especially partial to the opening track, "We Can't Be Beat."
It reminds me of The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows." Not in style, necessarily, though they both excel in their sparseness, but in the sentiment. It's a love song, in a way, but not one of grandiose sentiment, it's simple and honest, noting that life and love are not perfect.
It reminds me of The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows." Not in style, necessarily, though they both excel in their sparseness, but in the sentiment. It's a love song, in a way, but not one of grandiose sentiment, it's simple and honest, noting that life and love are not perfect.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Hot Chip - "Night and Day"
If you're as into slightly obscure celebrity personalities as I am, then this video is star-studded. Lara Stone! Reggie Watts!! Terence Stamp!!! Not to mention, some incredible dance moves.
Monday, May 21, 2012
New Music Tuesday - 05/22/2012
Baio - Sunburn EP
As much attention as his main act, Vampire Weekend, has gotten, their members' solo projects have flown relatively under the radar. The members have exercised their varied interests in solo work, though. Rostam Batmanglij, the band's keyboardist, has been the most active; with a LP under the name Discovery three years and an amazing track released under his own name last year. Chris Baio will be the second to enter the solo world with this EP, staying fairly true to the Vampire Weekend sound, but adding some electronic sounds.
"Tanto"
Garbage - Not Your Kind of People
They've been on a seven-year hiatus, but have not missed a single step. Their music and style is just as dark as ever. While they've been apart, they've been very involved in various aspects of entertainment. Butch Vig continued producing many a great album for other artists, including Jimmy Eat World's Chase This Light. Shirley Manson tried her hand at acting. Perhaps it's this continued focus in the creative world that has kept this band's music at such a high level even after 18 years together.
"Blood for Poppies"
Gossip - A Joyful Noise
I loved where Gossip started, with a garage rock sound that perfectly showcased Beth Ditto's vocals. I was left feeling a bit cold to their first foray into dance pop, Music for Men, three years ago. Perhaps helped by a solo EP from Ditto in the same style (or they're getting better at it), I'm starting to warm up to this style from them. Beth Ditto morphed perfectly into a dance-floor queen!
"Perfect World"
Joey Ramone - ...ya know?
Maybe Joey Ramone will become the Tupac of the punk world (hopefully without hologram performances, though). Ramone passed away back in 2001. This will be the second full-length release since his passing; the first, Don't Worry About Me, was released the year following his death. It's certainly great to hear his voice on new (well, new to the rest of us) material, but posthumous albums freak me out a little bit, you never know how many of these producers have up their sleeves!
"Rock and Roll Is the Answer"
Paul and Linda McCartney - Ram re-issue
Each of a The Beatles has a post-breakup solo album that has become highly-regarded over time. For Paul McCartney, that album was very easily Ram. It was originally released in 1971, right after the end of the iconic band.
"Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey"
s / s / s - Beak & Claw EP
I can't imagine it took long to come up with this name. All three members have an "S" initial in their name; Sufjan Stevens, Serengeti and Son Lux. They make an interesting trio, definitely unexpected. I like Sufjans voice in this (but, of course I love his music)...I could kinda do without the rest.
"Museum Day"
As much attention as his main act, Vampire Weekend, has gotten, their members' solo projects have flown relatively under the radar. The members have exercised their varied interests in solo work, though. Rostam Batmanglij, the band's keyboardist, has been the most active; with a LP under the name Discovery three years and an amazing track released under his own name last year. Chris Baio will be the second to enter the solo world with this EP, staying fairly true to the Vampire Weekend sound, but adding some electronic sounds.
"Tanto"
Garbage - Not Your Kind of People
They've been on a seven-year hiatus, but have not missed a single step. Their music and style is just as dark as ever. While they've been apart, they've been very involved in various aspects of entertainment. Butch Vig continued producing many a great album for other artists, including Jimmy Eat World's Chase This Light. Shirley Manson tried her hand at acting. Perhaps it's this continued focus in the creative world that has kept this band's music at such a high level even after 18 years together.
"Blood for Poppies"
Gossip - A Joyful Noise
I loved where Gossip started, with a garage rock sound that perfectly showcased Beth Ditto's vocals. I was left feeling a bit cold to their first foray into dance pop, Music for Men, three years ago. Perhaps helped by a solo EP from Ditto in the same style (or they're getting better at it), I'm starting to warm up to this style from them. Beth Ditto morphed perfectly into a dance-floor queen!
"Perfect World"
Joey Ramone - ...ya know?
Maybe Joey Ramone will become the Tupac of the punk world (hopefully without hologram performances, though). Ramone passed away back in 2001. This will be the second full-length release since his passing; the first, Don't Worry About Me, was released the year following his death. It's certainly great to hear his voice on new (well, new to the rest of us) material, but posthumous albums freak me out a little bit, you never know how many of these producers have up their sleeves!
"Rock and Roll Is the Answer"
Paul and Linda McCartney - Ram re-issue
Each of a The Beatles has a post-breakup solo album that has become highly-regarded over time. For Paul McCartney, that album was very easily Ram. It was originally released in 1971, right after the end of the iconic band.
"Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey"
s / s / s - Beak & Claw EP
I can't imagine it took long to come up with this name. All three members have an "S" initial in their name; Sufjan Stevens, Serengeti and Son Lux. They make an interesting trio, definitely unexpected. I like Sufjans voice in this (but, of course I love his music)...I could kinda do without the rest.
"Museum Day"
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Jack White's World Record
Strange news came out this week. Apparently, a few years ago, Jack White tried to set the record for the shortest concert when he was The White Stripes were still a thing.
The concert occurred in St. Newfoundland, Canada. Jack and Meg set up, look at each other, play one note, then thank the audience and leave the stage. Unfortunately for Jack, The organization behind the Guinness Book of World Records felt that the feat could become too trivialized to be included in their books. Jack wasn't too happy about that.
This got me thinking of what other music-related records are currently being recognized by Guinness, so I looked up some records on their website. Here are some of my favorites.
Song Sung in the Most Languages
"Earth Passport" by Liquid Blue, sung in nine languages.
Most No. 1 Music Videos
Madonna, with nine number 1 music videos on the US Music Video Chart.
"Like a Prayer"
Most Hit Records by a Royal
Princess Stephanie of Monaco, who has had several hit records in Europe with the album Rendez-Vous.
Jack White may have a chance yet to be included among these musicians. The Guinness organization has challenged Jack to set a very different record, the most metaphors in a given concert. A strange record, sure, but good luck to Mr. White on setting it!
The concert occurred in St. Newfoundland, Canada. Jack and Meg set up, look at each other, play one note, then thank the audience and leave the stage. Unfortunately for Jack, The organization behind the Guinness Book of World Records felt that the feat could become too trivialized to be included in their books. Jack wasn't too happy about that.
This got me thinking of what other music-related records are currently being recognized by Guinness, so I looked up some records on their website. Here are some of my favorites.
Song Sung in the Most Languages
"Earth Passport" by Liquid Blue, sung in nine languages.
Most No. 1 Music Videos
Madonna, with nine number 1 music videos on the US Music Video Chart.
"Like a Prayer"
Most Hit Records by a Royal
Princess Stephanie of Monaco, who has had several hit records in Europe with the album Rendez-Vous.
Jack White may have a chance yet to be included among these musicians. The Guinness organization has challenged Jack to set a very different record, the most metaphors in a given concert. A strange record, sure, but good luck to Mr. White on setting it!
Friday, May 18, 2012
On Repeat: "Simple Song"
With the many changes that The Shins made in their five-year hiatus (new members and new sound), I didn't think Port of Morrow would manage to produce some of my favorite Shins songs. Time has proven me wrong and I really enjoy the new album. Possibly my favorite song on the album is "Simple Song."
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