Author Archives: admin

long live the king

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Sometimes things just fall into place. For example, I have to write a post for a little blog I’m part of, and Radiohead happens to release a new album two days beforehand. I like to pretend they check the site every weekend to see my ever-interesting take on music and chose to align the release in my favor. In fact, let’s not even pretend: for all anyone knows that’s the truth.

Radiohead

In case you haven’t heard, the new album is named The King Of Limbs . It’s a shorter affair than previous Radiohead albums, with only 8 tracks. I hardly noticed, due to the fact that the band has pretty much mastered the ability to put me into a trance-like state from the opening notes to the last. Well, there’s a bit of an exception this time: “Bloom,” the opening track is somewhat chaotic with its bizarre drum beat and droning sounds. It’s still great and I found myself humming the bass line after one listen, but it’s a somewhat challenging start. From there things really pick up.

Click to play Radiohead – Morning Mr Magpie

That’s the second song, “Morning Mr Magpie.” It’s probably the most driving track on the album. Moving forward you get shifting textures and subtleties that will take many more listens to grasp. Radiohead always manages to keep us guessing, yet through all their experimentation the end result is well-written, often beautiful music.

Since the album is so short I’m not going to post any more songs. I will, however, give you this video for the new single “Lotus Flower.” Thom Yorke is just crazy enough to make the solo dancing concept work.

I doubt I need to tell you to get this album. I will anyway. It’s excellent. Order it from kingoflimbs.com and you can listen to it now. Unless, of course, you want all the fancy add-ons, like clear vinyl albums and tons of artwork. You’ll have to wait a few more weeks for that to be delivered. It will be like Christmas in March!

While My Ukulele Gently Weeps

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“If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place.”

Pay attention.  You are about to read about a young artist who has completely redefined an instrument.  Jake Shimabukuro, a 5th-generation Hawaiian, started playing the ukulele at age 4.  Like “everyone” else in Hawaii.  He started to play along to the pop songs.  He took lessons in other instruments just to improve his uke skills.  Now, as a solo artist, he has released nine albums.  Peace Love Ukulele is the latest, released last month.
Take a listen to “Bring Your Adz”:
Click to Enjoy Jake Shmbukuro – Bring Your Adz

I actually saw one of Shimabukuro’s performances in upstate New York two summers ago.  It is an entrancing thing to behold.  He transforms the sounds of this instrument.  The reaction to this performance is similar to seeing what guitar virtuosos have done.  To Jake, though, he says on his website that he was more inspired by what he saw other artists do with their crafts:
He says he

“credits Bruce Lee and Bill Cosby for creating the foundation of his art. “Bruce Lee’s philosophy on martial arts was that it’s a form of human expression,” he says. “And he didn’t believe in having one ‘style.’ He studied all forms and was open to everything. That really stuck in my mind as far as music goes. And Bill Cosby – here’s a performer who can just sit in a chair with a mic, tell stories and entrance millions of people. I wanted to tap into that energy, of just performing alone and connecting with an audience.””

Jake Shimabukuro, live in Schenectady, NY
Photo taken by post author

It’s true. This is exactly what happens at one of his performances.  He writes each song from a place inside of him.  He tells the story of the song before sharing the music with you.  And you can hear – you can hear what he is trying to convey to you.

From his father’s low tank of gas, to secret messages from teenagers, to tributes to Japanese American soldiers during World War II… To the covers…  Each song is a treat.

Watch the TED Talks video of his “Bohemian Rhapsody” cover.

“Covers on the ukulele are hard!” Jake says. “You can simplify any song, but to actually come up with an arrangement that’s respectful to the composer is quite a challenge. With ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ I tried to differentiate the vocal line from the piano line and guitar…It was tough, but really paid off. When I play it live, people usually just shake their head and laugh.”





You can see Jake perform in coffee shops, cultural centers, bandshells at your local waterfront park… Check out his page at jakeshimbukuro.com for merch and tour dates. Hawaii and California in March, a little bit of Washington, Texas, Nevada, back to New York again… You will love him.


We All Shine On

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What we’re witnessing in the world is quite amazing. Tunisia and Egypt are simply the beginning, it seems, as people around the world have become fed up with their respective regimes and have stopped being scared. Bahrain, Libya, Yemen, and Iran are seeing large scale demonstrations never seen before. Throw in the unrest that grows in countries like Sudan and the Ivory Coast, and we’re witnessing something that has spread almost in viral fashion.

That said, I’ve run into many people here in the US that seem just as disenfranchised with our own government. The idea that two parties rule all is their main concern. The concerns that many become infected with the corruption. Many of these people, regardless of political affiliation – and I’ve met many on both the far left and far right – have to understand that in our country, revolution does indeed start from the bottom. Become more active in your local community. Work to perhaps become elected to your school council or town hall. We are simply still too content and naive to be able to understand what a real revolution entails. Until we hit the dire straits that countries like Egypt faced, we won’t understand. It’s a simple fact.

In the meantime, the leaders in all of the countries I mentioned are facing karma on a whole new scale. Soon, they won’t be able to beat back the forces of change. Violence simply doesn’t solve problems. It does beget more violence. The amazing part of what was seen in Egypt is how largely peaceful it was. Others around the world have taken notice. Here’s hoping that the peaceful demonstrations continue and that the protesters don’t feel the need to live by the saying of “an eye for an eye.” Gandhi said it best:

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

Click to Play John Lennon – Instant Karma

I saw hungry brothers waiting with the radio on

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It is a divine pleasure to listen to music that seems to raise music itself to a new standard. Music that creates for you an atmosphere of both tranquility and of surprise. There is experimentation in this music that coexists with the subtle, traditional use of percussion and guitar.

Samuel Beam is Iron & Wine, along with a sometimes- 8-piece band that accompanies him. Name the festival, and they have probably performed there. (Sasquatch coming up!) He has collaborated with a handful of interesting indie bands (The Postal Service, Calexico). His music has been added to the soundtrack of popular television dramas and a movie (thatwhichshan’tbenamed). Beam is an extremely rounded artist, with a background in filmmaking and painting.
In turn, the result of Sam Beam’s vision is a wonderfully complete album. Time and time again. The relief that comes from enjoying an album full of various musical contributions that hasn’t hit you over the head with its efforts. It’s beautiful.
Iron & Wine released its fourth studio album, Kiss Each Other Clean, on January 25. There have been multiple EPs since the first was released in 2002. Over the years it seems that somewhere in the review of each project you will find the words “best yet.” When you’re multi-talented in this way, and open to learning various ways of making music, there is no other end-product to be expected than excellence in this way.

The opening track on the album always gripped me in a way I couldn’t describe, right when I first started listening to the album. But today, “Walking Far From Home” just sounds different to me. The first image I saw online early, early this morning was of the massive demonstration crowding the Parliament in Tahrir Square as Egyptians urged the sitting government to exit. It was an astonishing, inspiring photo with the headline “Military Backs Mubarak As Fury Grows.” I prayed this morning; I prayed that this crowd would be blessed.

Click to Enjoy Iron & Wine – Walking Far From Home

And hours later, the new headline reads “This is a New Egypt!”

After watching the country fight for a transition of power over the last two weeks, hearing this song now feels like a story that someone who has seen great change could tell. With subtlety.

“It’s the greatest day of my life,” opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei told NPR. “I could never have imagined that I would live long enough to see Egypt emancipated. It’s an electrifying feeling.”

Music can define a moment for you. Iron & Wine has the ability to define just about every moment.


A Revolution

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I am not sure if you guys are aware, but there’s a pretty big series of events unfolding in Egypt. It certainly smacks of the word revolution. However, there are a lot that either haven’t heard much at all or only a little about it. Sad, eh? That’s the country we live in, folks. Where the halftime show for the Super Bowl – featuring what I called an embarrassment to Daft Punk fans everywhere – causes more of a controversy and sparks more debate than what an estimated 80 million people have to deal with on a daily basis. With a man we’ve supported, albeit in very private fashion, no less. Our tenuous support of Hosni Mubarak stems in large part from our dealings with Israel, so no doubt they’re keeping a close eye on this, also.

Well, regardless of what happens, this has become the biggest story in the world – and affected my travel plans. So hey, I’m providing much of a revolution of my own when it comes to fighting shady travel companies. Honestly? I’m pretty worried about the events unfolding. It has more of an impact on the world as a whole than I think people realize. It’s more of a trickle down effect, though. That entire region is unstable. From Sudan – which recently saw South Sudan vote to secede – to Tunisia, Jordan, and Yemen. What we’re witnessing is unprecedented in history. It could have long lasting ramifications with world relations. A revolution is what it truly is.

Click to Play The Beatles – Revolution

I could honestly go on and on about what is happening, but this story has so many layers and complexities to it, that I simply don’t have the room to discuss it. So enjoy your week, folks. And do try to pay attention to what’s happening in your world!

twilight, sans sparkly vampires

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ser·en·dip·i·ty –noun

1. an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.
2. good fortune; luck: the serendipity of getting the first job she applied for.

I’ve been working my tail off trying to get an advance copy of PJ Harvey’s new record, Let England Shake . That has yet to come to fruition, but I happened across something just as exciting along the way: the upcoming Twilight Singers release. It’s called Dynamite Steps . Here’s the title track:

Click to play The Twilight Singers – Dynamite Steps

For those of you not familiar with The Twilight Singers, let me give you a quick history lesson. The group was originally formed as a side project by Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli. The lineup has changed quite a bit over the years, but Dulli has a way of pulling things together and making the sound cohesive and epic.

I’m a die-hard Afghan Whigs (RIP) fan to this day but I’ve never had any complaints about what Greg Dulli lends his talent to, whether it’s The Twilight Singers, The Gutter Twins, or any of his other asides. This new album manages to capture an array of styles we’ve seen from past projects, yet gives us some nice new twists. There’s the intensity and raw rock of the Afghan Whigs, the melancholy beauty of previous Twilight Singers albums, and Dulli can never quite escape his soul/Motown roots, but there’s still something special and unique about how it’s put together.

I’ll leave you with a couple more tracks. I need to get back to my quest for Miss Harvey’s new album, but I’ll have Dynamite Steps on in the background the whole time.

The album hits stores February 15th. Be sure to grab your copy then.

Click to play The Twilight Singers – Gunshots

Click to play The Twilight Singers – Get Lucky

All I know is you / No I can’t change

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I had just barely gotten into their last album when I heard a new one was being released. The Joy Formidable is a Welsh band who has been together since 2007. They released single after single in the subsequent years until putting them together on A Balloon Called Moaning in 2009. Well, 2009 in the UK. We didn’t get it in the States until May 2010. Seriously.

I really like each track on that album. Whether or not they were meant to be connected, they all sound simultaneously somber and energetic. I’m good with that. You know what’s interesting, is that their original label for this EP was none other than Black Bell, which is run by Passion Pit’s Ayad Al Adhamy. Huh. Yeah. I get that too.

Here. Listen to maybe my favorite track on Balloon, “Whirring”.

Click to The Joy Formidable – Whirring

So, here we have Ritzy Bryan leading us on vocals whilst strumming her guitar, Rhydian Dafydd on bass, and Matt Thomas on drums and other forms of percussion.

I love this sound and I can’t even understand half the lyrics.

I guess sometimes communication isn’t entirely important.

Well, wait.  Until you start banging things and yelling and being offensive.  I mean, that is communication but it’s not effective.  That’s how their full-length album starts out.  Noise.  Just, noise.  I should get the art angle they are going for.  I should be open to receive the music language they are speaking.  But, I’m not.  Oh well.

So, this full-length album came out in the UK last week, but – you guessed it.  NOT AVAILABLE IN THE STATES YET! So consider yourself lucky that I am sharing it with you now. Well, unless you are already reading this from across the pond. Then, chap, how about if you leave us a comment about their show this evening? Or head over to one of their upcoming shows… Glasgow King Tuts on Sunday, Edinburgh Electric Circus on Monday, wow… I am checking their tour dates and there are some cool venue names. Add that to the list. Go to indie performances in London.

And bring a sandwich.

I digress.

I mean because of the food.

No, but seriously. I digress.

After we get through the banging and clanging at the beginning of The Big Roar, we are right back into big, lovely sounds. This album was recorded with Camelback Music, which married Atlantic in late 2009 and operates on a “less is more” mentality.

Kind of how these three manage to make themselves sound like an entire Cricket team. Wait, how big is a Cricket team after all, mate? Big enough to at times sound like a choir is chanting the barely audible yet still powerful lyrics and a drum section is pounding out that percussion. Seriously.

Here. See what I mean.

Click to The Joy Formidable – The Magnifying Glass

Then check amazon.co.uk and see if you can get a hold of this year’s next year’s album!

The Beauty of Music

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So recently, I found out about a band that I didn’t know of. And this led me to be reminded why music is so important. I overheard a new co-worker discussing Grizzly Bear with another co-worker. I interjected, as I had seen them live once. Five minutes of music discussion later, I got a nice compliment – “Man, you really know your shit.” Thing is, I don’t. Or at least I don’t think so. He brought up the group I am sharing today, and I hadn’t heard of them. Well, after a good night out with a few co-workers, we all eventually took a listen to these guys. Which I think we all do from time to time. We get excited about the music we like and want to share it with the world. I mean, isn’t that the whole point of this blog?

Anyhow, the group he wanted to share was Caravan Palace. Now, they’re a French band. Imagine if swing and electronica had a baby. There are some that try to say that Daft Punk is one of those influences on them, but i don’t hear it in the music they play. I’d say more with the idea that electronica can be incorporated into almost anything. This sound has been done before, though. As George could tell you, for example, I played a ton of swing-house in the years I DJed. I genuinely liked a lot of it. I even featured one of the Greens Keepers tracks on this blog a couple of years ago.

Well, these guys are less about sampling, and more about creating their own swing sound mixed with drum kicks and electronic goodness. The self-titled debut album of these guys produced the track I’m posting today. “Jolie Coquine” is definitely reminiscent of the Squirrel Nut Zippers female vocals – which is where James Curd sampled from – and is very frenetic and catchy. The video for this track is even quite creative. So enjoy! And remember that music is a very open showcase. You’re welcome to dislike music, but keeping an open mind about what is out there is very rewarding!

Click to Play Caravan Palace – Jolie Coquine

is it truly hip to be square?

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You like Huey Lewis and The News?

Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when Sports came out in ’83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He’s been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humour.

The Definitive Collection

A few weekends ago I had an evening in with friends. We ate, drank, played table games, and eventually broke out the record player. Before I go any further I should explain that my vinyl collection is a strange mix, mostly gathered from thrift stores and working at a library when they were phasing out their media. As much as I enjoy LPs I wouldn’t be called a collector by any stretch. Just wanted to get that out of the way so you’ll (maybe) be less likely to judge me.

The group rifled through my records, everyone putting together their own little playlist. When we started the music I noticed a shocking trend: the albums everyone agreed on most as “top plays” were far from what I would have expected. We had Air Supply, Huey Lewis, Men At Work, and Bonnie Tyler. Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions made the cut but Willie Nelson did not. We had Wham on reserve while Cat Stevens sat lonely in the discard pile. Maybe this isn’t that strange objectively, but this group is primarily plugged into indie rock and a step away from the mainstream, with the exception of the one hardcore rap fan. Huey Lewis wouldn’t even seem a viable option until we all realized at once that we did indeed need a new drug.

I suppose there’s no real point to this post, other than the impact of nostalgia and finding a common bond in music that may not otherwise make your playlist. It makes for strange bedfellows. Or maybe having a more finite, random playlist brings people to an unexpected common ground. Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to post some pop music from days of yore.

I guess what I’m really saying is this: Never underestimate the power of Air Supply.

This video is louder than the rest. Watch the volume and protect your ears.

I actually kinda hate putting that song in with the others because I think it’s really, really good. I’m just running with the theme here. Go buy some Men At Work albums if you don’t know them well: their music still stands up today.

         

Let’s Do It Again

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Heard it from a friend who, heard it from a friend who, heard it on NPR. Got the album, listened to it 100 times, love it, realized it’s from 2007. Nina Diaz has the most amazing voice. Her sister Phanie hits the skins, and their longtime friend Jenn Alva plays bass. Joan Jett discovered them and signed them to her label. Morrissey took them on tour. Robert Rodriguez directed one of their recent videos. They’re Girl in a Coma. Here. Have a peek.

Wait – to say the video is directed by Robert Rodriguez sounds like the whole thing was planned.  He is a fan of theirs, went to see them at SXSW, pieced together shots from their performance, and gave them this video as a gift!  Yes, that Robert Rodriguez.  As in, Sin City.  In return, they contributed the song “Yo Oigo” to his film Machete.
The song in the video, “As The World Falls Down”, is from the band’s 2010 covers album.  This one is of David Bowie’s Labyrinth tune.  They also covered one of my favorite songs of all time, Ritchie Valens’ “Come On Let’s Go.”
Because they come from San Antonio and are from Latin descent, they’re being put in the Latino, in the Tejano, in the Alt Latino categories. This sound is Female Punk Rockabilly. I am pretty sure I just made that up. Google that shit. I love it. I want to dye my hair, paint on the eyeliner, and join the band. Or just prance in the background.

The girls are happy with Blackheart Records: It’s a “very low-key, relaxed label, which is perfect for us,” they say.  And you know, I should backtrack a bit.  Joan Jett got to them after they’d been touring a few years – even after Morrissey pulled them out of their little touring van and onto a plane to London.  After they released Both Before I’m Gone on Blackheart, they opened for Cyndi Lauper and Social Distortion.

I love that they have their own sound but do an amazing job of paying tribute to those who influenced their sound. Their second album, Trio BC, is named after the girls’ Grandfather’s band from the 50’s. Then on Adventures in Coverland, there is pretty much a cover from every band or artist that influenced them, including Selena.

It’s hard to pick a favorite from album #1, but I’m going to share “Mr Chivalry” from Both Before I’m Gone and “Come On Let’s Go” from Adventures in Coverland.

Click to Play Girl in a Coma – Mr. Chivalry