Hey again,
I've always held the highest regard for musicians and bands that do their own thing, unconcerned with radio-friendly tracks or star-studded earrings.
Belle and Sebastian were formed in the most unlikely of ways. In 1996, Stuart Murdoch and Stuart David (the founding members) decided to record a few demos for fun with their professor at Stow College and those demos wound up being selected by the Music Business department's student-run record label, Electric Honey. The label and school were so impressed that they urged both Stuarts to record a full-length album. After it's completion, the album "Tigermilk" was a hit within most of Scotland and the original vinyl copies (only 900 were made) now sell for more than 900 dollars. Stuart Murdoch decided to recruit artists to form a proper band and within months Belle and Sebastian as we know it came to exist.
In 2008, the band released the BBC sessions, which features an overview of their past and present songs. I was originally going to post the BBC live version of the song Mornington Crescent from the album "The Life Pursuit" but I thought the vocals were too shabby for consideration. While searching for that song I came across this one. It's from the same album but the vocals and overall performance is much, much better. I think the lyrics are artful and really love the fact that the video initially seems like it's form the 60's or something (yes! for poor video quality). This is the kind of song you can cruise to, bop to and feel stable with. Enjoy.
4.26.2011
4.24.2011
Sing to me darling. 4.24.11
Bonjour,
There's something about the french language that's so darn appealing to me. Add a beautiful woman and a catchy melody and I'm sold.
Francoise Hardy was one of the original pioneers of the ye-ye music movement in France in the 1960's. Young, sexy, and confident she signed on with Vogue records in 1961 and went on to release her first major hit, Tous le garcons et les filles, that same year. Throughout the 60's and 70's, she released chart-topping hits and further cemented her status among the elite French-pop artists of our time. Hardy was also very influential in the early french couture fashion scene, and was seen as a public fashion icon.
Comment Te Dire Adieu (How Can I Tell You Goodbye) is a catchy song with simple, meaningful lyrics:
"I don't want to react badly without any pretext. You need to explain to me how to tell you goodbye.
My silex heart is flammable, my pyrex heart is fire-resistant. I'm so confused; I don't want to get used to goodbyes."
It's no wonder this song was a hit. Everyone can relate to what's being said. What's more, the lyrics are put to music with a constant, driving beat and an almost naively upbeat musical accompaniment. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
There's something about the french language that's so darn appealing to me. Add a beautiful woman and a catchy melody and I'm sold.
Francoise Hardy was one of the original pioneers of the ye-ye music movement in France in the 1960's. Young, sexy, and confident she signed on with Vogue records in 1961 and went on to release her first major hit, Tous le garcons et les filles, that same year. Throughout the 60's and 70's, she released chart-topping hits and further cemented her status among the elite French-pop artists of our time. Hardy was also very influential in the early french couture fashion scene, and was seen as a public fashion icon.
Comment Te Dire Adieu (How Can I Tell You Goodbye) is a catchy song with simple, meaningful lyrics:
"I don't want to react badly without any pretext. You need to explain to me how to tell you goodbye.
My silex heart is flammable, my pyrex heart is fire-resistant. I'm so confused; I don't want to get used to goodbyes."
It's no wonder this song was a hit. Everyone can relate to what's being said. What's more, the lyrics are put to music with a constant, driving beat and an almost naively upbeat musical accompaniment. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
4.21.2011
Life without regret and Life with all sorts of regrets. 4.21.11
Whoosh...and we're back,
LCD Soundsystem is the brainchild of frontman and producer James Murphy (also co-founder of DFA Records). Born in New York, the band started out as an underground dance-rock favorite among locals.
After the release of their second album, "The Sound of Silver", they were hardly underground at all. With songs like North American Scum, Get Innocuous and Someone Great, every music magazine in the country took notice.
Their third and last album, "This is Happening", was proclaimed by Murphy to be "better than the previous two" and popular director Spike Jonze signed on and directed the music video for the first single, Drunk Girls, off that album. Very shortly after its release the band announced they were calling it quits and were walking away while on top. They decided to play one last time for the fans that loved them and in the city where it all started. Madison Square Garden, New York- April 2, 2011.
Boy, I wish I had been there.
This song has always been special to me mostly because of the amazingly well written lyrics. I think the repetition of the guitar, bass and piano lines lure you in and create a sort of captivating blur where the lyrics can take center stage. From their Sound of Silver album, All My Friends speaks about what we lose as we get older and how important each and every moment is. I am posting the lyrics below the link. Read them and consider them and enjoy.
LCD Soundsystem is the brainchild of frontman and producer James Murphy (also co-founder of DFA Records). Born in New York, the band started out as an underground dance-rock favorite among locals.
After the release of their second album, "The Sound of Silver", they were hardly underground at all. With songs like North American Scum, Get Innocuous and Someone Great, every music magazine in the country took notice.
Their third and last album, "This is Happening", was proclaimed by Murphy to be "better than the previous two" and popular director Spike Jonze signed on and directed the music video for the first single, Drunk Girls, off that album. Very shortly after its release the band announced they were calling it quits and were walking away while on top. They decided to play one last time for the fans that loved them and in the city where it all started. Madison Square Garden, New York- April 2, 2011.
Boy, I wish I had been there.
This song has always been special to me mostly because of the amazingly well written lyrics. I think the repetition of the guitar, bass and piano lines lure you in and create a sort of captivating blur where the lyrics can take center stage. From their Sound of Silver album, All My Friends speaks about what we lose as we get older and how important each and every moment is. I am posting the lyrics below the link. Read them and consider them and enjoy.
That's how it starts.
We go back to your house.
We check the charts,
And start to figure it out.
And if it's crowded, all the better,
because we know we're gonna be up late.
But if you're worried about the weather
then you picked the wrong place to stay.
That's how it starts.
And so it starts.
You switch the engine on.
We set controls for the heart of the sun,
one of the ways we show our age.
And if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up
and I still don't wanna stagger home.
Then it's the memory of our betters
that are keeping us on our feet.
You spent the first five years trying to get with the plan,
and the next five years trying to be with your friends again.
You're talking 45 turns just as fast as you can,
yeah, I know it gets tired, but it's better when we pretend.
It comes apart,
the way it does in bad films.
Except in parts,
when the moral kicks in.
Though when we're running out of the drugs
and the conversation's winding away.
I wouldn't trade one stupid decision
for another five years of lies.
You drop the first ten years just as fast as you can,
and the next ten people who are trying to be polite.
When you're blowing eighty-five days in the middle of France,
Yeah, I know it gets tired only where are your friends tonight?
And to tell the truth.
Oh, this could be the last time.
So here we go,
like a sail's force into the night
And if I made a fool, if I made a fool, if I made a fool
on the road, there's always this.
And if I'm sewn into submission,
I can still come home to this.
And with a face like a dad and a laughable stand,
you can sleep on the plane or review what you said.
When you're drunk and the kids leave impossible tasks
you think over and over, "hey, I'm finally dead."
Oh, if the trip and the plan come apart in your hand,
you look contorted on yourself your ridiculous prop.
You forgot what you meant when you read what you said,
and you always knew you were tired, but then,
where are your friends tonight?
Where are your friends tonight?
Where are your friends tonight?
If I could see all my friends tonight,
If I could see all my friends tonight,
If I could see all my friends tonight,
If I could see all my friends tonight
We go back to your house.
We check the charts,
And start to figure it out.
And if it's crowded, all the better,
because we know we're gonna be up late.
But if you're worried about the weather
then you picked the wrong place to stay.
That's how it starts.
And so it starts.
You switch the engine on.
We set controls for the heart of the sun,
one of the ways we show our age.
And if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up
and I still don't wanna stagger home.
Then it's the memory of our betters
that are keeping us on our feet.
You spent the first five years trying to get with the plan,
and the next five years trying to be with your friends again.
You're talking 45 turns just as fast as you can,
yeah, I know it gets tired, but it's better when we pretend.
It comes apart,
the way it does in bad films.
Except in parts,
when the moral kicks in.
Though when we're running out of the drugs
and the conversation's winding away.
I wouldn't trade one stupid decision
for another five years of lies.
You drop the first ten years just as fast as you can,
and the next ten people who are trying to be polite.
When you're blowing eighty-five days in the middle of France,
Yeah, I know it gets tired only where are your friends tonight?
And to tell the truth.
Oh, this could be the last time.
So here we go,
like a sail's force into the night
And if I made a fool, if I made a fool, if I made a fool
on the road, there's always this.
And if I'm sewn into submission,
I can still come home to this.
And with a face like a dad and a laughable stand,
you can sleep on the plane or review what you said.
When you're drunk and the kids leave impossible tasks
you think over and over, "hey, I'm finally dead."
Oh, if the trip and the plan come apart in your hand,
you look contorted on yourself your ridiculous prop.
You forgot what you meant when you read what you said,
and you always knew you were tired, but then,
where are your friends tonight?
Where are your friends tonight?
Where are your friends tonight?
If I could see all my friends tonight,
If I could see all my friends tonight,
If I could see all my friends tonight,
If I could see all my friends tonight
4.18.2011
It's the layers. 4.18.11
Hola,
I happened upon Juana Molina one day when I was listening to UC Berkeley's college radio station. they played the song Un Dia and it captivated me. I'm not sure if it was the Spanish influences, the Radiohead-like chord progressions and beats, or if it was just the right song at the right moment. Whatever the reason, I became hooked. I think I listened to her album "Un Dia"(2008) about five thousand times in one week and I still listen to it a lot even three years later.
Molina was born in Argentina and then moved to Paris in 1976 when her family fled from the military coup in Buenos Aires. She grew up in a musical environment and her dad taught her tango and flamenco inspired guitar at the age of 5. She is better known throughout Argentina and most of Latin America as an actress on the popular TV show "Juana y sus hermanas" but to the rest of us she suddenly rose out of the earth in 2000 when her second album, fittingly called "Segundo", hit the scene. Since then she has released three more albums and each has received high acclaim. Her live shows are said to be magical and her use of technology to layer and mix her music on the stage are breathtaking.
This is off her last album, "Un Dia", called Vive Solo. Even if you don't understand the lyrics, you'll understand the song. Enjoy.
I happened upon Juana Molina one day when I was listening to UC Berkeley's college radio station. they played the song Un Dia and it captivated me. I'm not sure if it was the Spanish influences, the Radiohead-like chord progressions and beats, or if it was just the right song at the right moment. Whatever the reason, I became hooked. I think I listened to her album "Un Dia"(2008) about five thousand times in one week and I still listen to it a lot even three years later.
Molina was born in Argentina and then moved to Paris in 1976 when her family fled from the military coup in Buenos Aires. She grew up in a musical environment and her dad taught her tango and flamenco inspired guitar at the age of 5. She is better known throughout Argentina and most of Latin America as an actress on the popular TV show "Juana y sus hermanas" but to the rest of us she suddenly rose out of the earth in 2000 when her second album, fittingly called "Segundo", hit the scene. Since then she has released three more albums and each has received high acclaim. Her live shows are said to be magical and her use of technology to layer and mix her music on the stage are breathtaking.
This is off her last album, "Un Dia", called Vive Solo. Even if you don't understand the lyrics, you'll understand the song. Enjoy.
4.14.2011
Check it. 4.14.11
Hey all,
Got a band that's semi-new to the scene. My uncle emailed me this track a few weeks ago and the moment I heard it I fell in love.
Milagres was formed in 2010 and are based in Brooklyn, NY. They have a pretty laid back sound but it's very uplifting and bouncy at the same time. They're about to embark on their Spring 2011 US Tour and on the 25th they will be playing at TT the Bear's in Cambridge, which I most definitely will be at. Come and show your support for a really talented band that's well on it's way to becoming nationally recognized.
This song was performed at the Central SAPC in Santa Monica, CA and it's called Glowing Mouth. Enjoy.
Got a band that's semi-new to the scene. My uncle emailed me this track a few weeks ago and the moment I heard it I fell in love.
Milagres was formed in 2010 and are based in Brooklyn, NY. They have a pretty laid back sound but it's very uplifting and bouncy at the same time. They're about to embark on their Spring 2011 US Tour and on the 25th they will be playing at TT the Bear's in Cambridge, which I most definitely will be at. Come and show your support for a really talented band that's well on it's way to becoming nationally recognized.
This song was performed at the Central SAPC in Santa Monica, CA and it's called Glowing Mouth. Enjoy.
4.10.2011
Folktronica 101. 4.10.11
Yo,
Hardly anyone I know has heard of The Beta Band. This saddens me.
The Beta Band was formed in 1996, originally under the name The Pigeons (glad that didn't stick). They started out by releasing three individual EP's over the span of about two years. They all received such critical acclaim that they decided to combine them into one album called The Three EP's. This sparked an almost immediate cult/avid follower group and led them all the way to #3 on Q magazine's "Top 50 bands you need to see before you die". Their sound has been called "folktronica"- a mix of folk, electronic and rock music. By the time 2004 rolled around, the band had put so much energy into their four albums that they decided to call it quits. I personally do not know of a band that existed for only 7 years that gained such a passionate fan base like Beta did. To show their appreciation, they decided to record their last performance at the Shepherds Bush Empire and turned it into a really great DVD.
This song isn't necessarily one of their best, but it is the best music video they did. It's from their album "Hot Shots II" called Human Being.
Nurses are sexy. Nurses dancing to The Beta Band are, well, you'll see. Enjoy.
Hardly anyone I know has heard of The Beta Band. This saddens me.
The Beta Band was formed in 1996, originally under the name The Pigeons (glad that didn't stick). They started out by releasing three individual EP's over the span of about two years. They all received such critical acclaim that they decided to combine them into one album called The Three EP's. This sparked an almost immediate cult/avid follower group and led them all the way to #3 on Q magazine's "Top 50 bands you need to see before you die". Their sound has been called "folktronica"- a mix of folk, electronic and rock music. By the time 2004 rolled around, the band had put so much energy into their four albums that they decided to call it quits. I personally do not know of a band that existed for only 7 years that gained such a passionate fan base like Beta did. To show their appreciation, they decided to record their last performance at the Shepherds Bush Empire and turned it into a really great DVD.
This song isn't necessarily one of their best, but it is the best music video they did. It's from their album "Hot Shots II" called Human Being.
Nurses are sexy. Nurses dancing to The Beta Band are, well, you'll see. Enjoy.
4.08.2011
Three jumping backwards. 4.8.11
Oy mates,
Time for some 80's Britpop.
New Order was my sanctuary as a kid. All the beats, synth and rhythmic melodies were brain food to me. New Order was/is basically Joy Division minus Ian Curtis. They formed in 1980 after Ian took his life. They went on to become one of the most influential bands of the 80's, successfully combing new wave and electronic dance and by also bringing new music to the club scenes.
This next song is called True Faith. I especially like the video for this one because it's one of the first real music videos made in the eighties. Not too mention it's pretty badass to think that these styles were popular back in the day. Watch past the first minute to get hooked.
Enjoy.
Time for some 80's Britpop.
New Order was my sanctuary as a kid. All the beats, synth and rhythmic melodies were brain food to me. New Order was/is basically Joy Division minus Ian Curtis. They formed in 1980 after Ian took his life. They went on to become one of the most influential bands of the 80's, successfully combing new wave and electronic dance and by also bringing new music to the club scenes.
This next song is called True Faith. I especially like the video for this one because it's one of the first real music videos made in the eighties. Not too mention it's pretty badass to think that these styles were popular back in the day. Watch past the first minute to get hooked.
Enjoy.
4.05.2011
Icky What? 4.5.11
Oy all,
First troubling news of the day. My friend Cherylann had originally requested the Bob Dylan classic I Want You but for some reason I was unable to find any videos of the song or even of Bobby singing it live. Turns out Sony have been on a HUGE rampage and have taken all of Bob Dylan's songs that aren't officially licensed off of Youtube and other online sites. I understand why they are doing this but I think it's a real shame that people can't access Dylan during his live performances without buying an over-priced DVD. Moving on though, she did have a backup song in mind.
The White Stripes were my bridge between Green Day and Radiohead. As odd as that sounds, this band really revolutionized the rock scene in the early 2000's and beyond. Meg and Jack took a lo-fi recording approach and melded it with punk-rock and blues influences to come up with a very simplistic, catchy and easy to listen to sound. Their first two albums were not noticed because many critics didn't understand this new sound the Stripes were emitting. Then for their third album, "White Blood Cells", they decided to sign with a pretty big label (V2) and drew immediate success in the UK charts. The US began to take notice. Their next album called "Elephant" sealed the deal. While "White Blood Cells" had Fell In Love With A Girl, that was really all it had going for it in the public eye. "Elephant" boasts songs like Seven Nation Army, I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, The Hardest Button to Button and There's No Home For You Here. "Elephant" ended up winning a Best Alternative Music Album (2004) grammy and Seven Nation Army won for Best Rock Song as well.
This next song comes from their last official album before their breakup (Icky Thump, 2007) and it's called A Martyr For My Love For You. Enjoy.
First troubling news of the day. My friend Cherylann had originally requested the Bob Dylan classic I Want You but for some reason I was unable to find any videos of the song or even of Bobby singing it live. Turns out Sony have been on a HUGE rampage and have taken all of Bob Dylan's songs that aren't officially licensed off of Youtube and other online sites. I understand why they are doing this but I think it's a real shame that people can't access Dylan during his live performances without buying an over-priced DVD. Moving on though, she did have a backup song in mind.
The White Stripes were my bridge between Green Day and Radiohead. As odd as that sounds, this band really revolutionized the rock scene in the early 2000's and beyond. Meg and Jack took a lo-fi recording approach and melded it with punk-rock and blues influences to come up with a very simplistic, catchy and easy to listen to sound. Their first two albums were not noticed because many critics didn't understand this new sound the Stripes were emitting. Then for their third album, "White Blood Cells", they decided to sign with a pretty big label (V2) and drew immediate success in the UK charts. The US began to take notice. Their next album called "Elephant" sealed the deal. While "White Blood Cells" had Fell In Love With A Girl, that was really all it had going for it in the public eye. "Elephant" boasts songs like Seven Nation Army, I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, The Hardest Button to Button and There's No Home For You Here. "Elephant" ended up winning a Best Alternative Music Album (2004) grammy and Seven Nation Army won for Best Rock Song as well.
This next song comes from their last official album before their breakup (Icky Thump, 2007) and it's called A Martyr For My Love For You. Enjoy.
4.01.2011
April Foo's Day. 4.1.11
Happy April Fool's day everybody,
It was a stressful week and I'm so glad it's the weekend. Thought I'd bring you a song that always seems to cheer me up. It's called "Cold Day In The Sun" by the Foo Fighters. The lyrics in this song are actually quite melancholy but the beat and chordal patterns make it pretty uplifting, which makes me think that the band wanted us (the listeners) to know that there would be some hope for the person mentioned in the lyrics. The singer and lead guitarist, Dave Grohl, was originally the drummer for Nirvana. In a fun twist Grohl lets his drummer, Taylor Hawkins, sing the lead part in this song with Grohl taking a more backseat role. I think it's a really great switch-up and Foo Fighters should really let Hawkins sing more often.
This is form their Skin and Bones DVD. Enjoy.
It was a stressful week and I'm so glad it's the weekend. Thought I'd bring you a song that always seems to cheer me up. It's called "Cold Day In The Sun" by the Foo Fighters. The lyrics in this song are actually quite melancholy but the beat and chordal patterns make it pretty uplifting, which makes me think that the band wanted us (the listeners) to know that there would be some hope for the person mentioned in the lyrics. The singer and lead guitarist, Dave Grohl, was originally the drummer for Nirvana. In a fun twist Grohl lets his drummer, Taylor Hawkins, sing the lead part in this song with Grohl taking a more backseat role. I think it's a really great switch-up and Foo Fighters should really let Hawkins sing more often.
This is form their Skin and Bones DVD. Enjoy.
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