Hopes, Thoughts, and Reflections For 2008

The year is almost inching to its end, and with that said, it would be the perfect time to take a peek into the next year. I don’t usually prefer writing a post simply due to a particular occasion, but I do want to acknowledge the mark of the end of the year, and look back and recall on the best things that’s happened that’ll bring us up to date. Lets see…what’s the best things that’s happened, well-- I did first start this blog officially in May, and I’ve been loving it ever since, but no one wants to hear about that, so what else. I personally think that 2007 has got to be one of the best years in music; seeing the long-awaited 7th release by Radiohead, celebrating a lot of sophomore releases in order to remember the remarkable debuts, such as Beirut, Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, and thanks to these artists (Andrew Bird, Feist, Electrelane, Panda Bear, Au Revoir Simone, Mumm-ra, etc) for choosing this year to release their albums, thus giving me the chance to discover great music, and lastly, Thank You to Travis for releasing yet another wonderful record.

Next year will be as good as a year for me, I hope, if not better. I’m particularly looking forward to Vampire Weekend’s debut, as well Tokyo Police Club, and among others like some of the younger generation of British bands, such as Cajun Dance Party and Bombay Bicycle Club. Speaking of Cajun Dance Party, Los Campesinos has already set a release date for their debut. Some other bands that I’m equally excited about, is the Kooks second record, as well as Coldplay who will also be releasing its latest and of course, I can’t wait to hear Albert’s solo record the second time around-- which according to him, will be really different from the first, I hope it’s different-better and not different-worst though. I’m still waiting on Radio Dept.’s third that was scheduled for a release some time last year, hopefully I’ll get to see the signs of it coming out some time in 2008.

Sad to see this year end, but 2008 I know will have in store something so much greater. Ok then, see you next year.

Year End Lists

It’s time for year end lists, people; I figured it’s that time of year to recap the year’s best tracks and records. Overall, 2007 was the year of Animal Collective and Panda Bear, or I could’ve just gone ahead and said Radiohead, but that would’ve seemed a tad bit too predictable, not too mention overrated and a little too obvious.

Here are some ‘Best Records and Songs of the Year List’, pulled out of the hat, by some of the more recognized zines:

• Pitchfork declared their love for Panda Bear’s Person Pitch for best record and LCD Soundsystem’s ‘All My Friends’ for the number one song in their Top 100 tracks for this year. Best news is, you can download all one hundred songs in zip format on Stereogum, and why is it a good idea for you to download the entire list-- so, you can keep’em and be reminded on what made 2007 so great, is why. (Turns out the links have been taken down, what a shame)
  
• Filter looooves Radiohead.
• While Paste chose the National’s Boxer.
• NME magazine just can’t get enough of Klaxons.
• Spin thinks Against Me!’s New Wave was the best this year.
• Rolling Stone, surprisingly went for M.I.A’s Kala-- huh.
• And Time magazine bowed to Amy Winehouse.
• And of course, don’t dare to not check out the Gummy Award winners on Stereogum, and find out who people voted to be on the top spot.

Amusing how very different and yet, not so different all these lists are, the same band just keeps popping up again and again, annoyingly at spots in the charts where they don’t deserve to be-- according to Stereogum readers that is.

On the other hand, I didn’t make my best records list, but what I did do is a Top 20 Songs of 2007, which unfortunately I will post up neither the mp3s nor the list itself, for that matter. Let’s just say, the number one song is Radiohead’s ‘Nude’, and the list is very much dominated by Electrelane with 3 songs and Panda Bear with two songs (they’re just so fuckin’ awesome). Some of my choices are really unexpected that could really make you cry, while some others are just downright plain predictable. Why are there bands that are repeated so many times in a top 20 list-- well, maybe I didn’t listen to enough records this year, but then again, maybe I did, but these are the ones that just couldn’t be beaten.

Good Golly, By Jolly, This Is Really Good! #28

Closing up this year’s version of Good Golly, is the very ethereal yet hauntingly beautiful, Bat For Lashes’ ‘What’s a Girl to Do’. It seems like almost everyone in the world has heard of them, except well, me, but I figured it’s never too late to jump on the bandwagon, before it really moves on even further ahead.

Lead by Pakistani-born Brit, Natasha Khan, the music of Bat for Lashes contains elements of wonder and mystique that weaves in seamlessly through each song structure that’s evident in their debut, Fur and Gold. I personally love the whole enticing image accompanying the music plus the nice touch of the exotic name, Natasha Khan which had me wondering at first. But after discovering that she was half Pakistani, it all seemed to make sense now. (I don’t know if this is any relevant but I’ve a lecturer from Pakistan that goes by the name of Sheroz Khan; don’t you just wish of having unique, foreign names such as these?)

Credit definitely goes more to video than song for the unconventional, why-didn’t-I-think-of-that idea and approach. The video completely defined the music for what it truly is, without the need of using major, state of the art special effects. Music as unique and inspiringly beautiful as this, will no less generate plentiful ideas for music video directors, but one can only be deemed a genius when you choose something out of the usual and the typical, and opt for something different, and one that’s truly original and that’s able to inspire even more-- totally deserving for that spot in the top videos of 2007.


|mp3| Bat for Lashes – What’s a Girl to Do?

Watch the fab video of Bat For Lashes' 'What's a Girl to Do?' here»

:: Bat for Lashes ::
[ Offcial website | MySpace | Buy Fur and Gold ]

Covers, B-Sides,and Rarities: Daniel Rossen's "Too Little, Too Late"

I remember listening to Jojo’s ‘Too Little, Too Late’, and going, “What the hell was I thinking, keeping the song in my computer?” In fact, I didn’t only had the song, I also kept the video; the whole cheesy singing in the rain stuff (seriously, have you seen it?). And now, listening to Daniel Rossen’s of Grizzly Bear version of it, still made me went, “What the hell was I thinking-- ” The song sounds completely different, which should be a good thing, but a song by Jojo, will always remain as a song by Jojo, Grizzly Bear or no Grizzly Bear.

If you’re wondering how the cover turned out sounding like, just try listening to their 2006 record, Yellow House, and-- that pretty much sums it up. Does Miss Jojo approve of this cover? Well, that all depends on her musical taste, and judging from that……, it’s really hard to tell. I gave the cover a listen, and it made me winced because it was a bit too hard to bear, but it should take a couple of listens before I really start warming up to it-- hopefully.

|mp3| Daniel Rossen (Grizzly Bear) - Too Little, Too Late

p/s: too much use of the word, ‘Jojo’ in a single post, is always a bad thing.

X'mas

I wasn’t planning on posting up anything for this particular occasion. But then I came across this photo, and-- well, that was that, and this is it.

Random Pick of the Week: The Moldy Peaches – Anyone Else But You

‘Random Pick of the Week’ is just pure randomness – or not. Its songs that I really can’t figure out where to place and are posted up anyways because – well, just because.

I’ve always known Moldy Peaches as that band who went on tour with this other band, during their Europe tour in 2001. That other band even made a short documentary of it, hence the way I discovered Moldy Peaches. With the new movie Juno just released, and that it uses this particular song called, ‘Anyone Else But You’, the Moldy Peaches are set to receive more recognition than ever. People are really gonna start googling for them now.

|mp3| The Moldy Peaches – Anyone Else but You

The song is sweet, but it’s the kind that isn’t meant to be sweet-- or is it? I’m confused. Anyway, I like to think that the picture (above) and song are somewhat connected, and to find out whether or not it really is-- you could always give it a try (right-click, save as).

Photo by {manda}. Go to her site »

Good Golly, By Jolly, This Is Really Good! #27

There’s something about the music of Iron and Wine that’s deeply comforting and soothing, and wonderful that I keep tumbling over and over it again and again. I love returning to the sounds of mellowness and music that’s fit to be played quietly in your room during a rainy day-- there’s absolutely no better way to relax after a ‘hard day’s night’ than that.

If you’re looking for exactly that type of music, than I suggest this new track by Iron and Wine, called ‘Innocent Bones’, taken off his latest, Shepherd’s Dog which was released last September. One thing that I’ve always adored about the music that’s written by Sam Beam, who is the brain-child behind Iron and Wine, is the swaying, swirling, dream-like flow, Beam’s whispery, hazy vocal, and the gentle acoustic strums that's able to draw you in. There’s a banjo part which drifts through in the middle and towards the end that generates warmth and completes the whole array of a beautiful display that Beam has so intricately arranged. The music is heavenly; I have no idea how anyone is able to not fall under its spell. The album is worth a mention too, where many have claimed it to be one of Iron and Wine’s best yet.


|mp3| Iron and Wine – Innocent Bones

:: Iron and Wine ::
[ Official website | MySpace | Buy Shepherd's Dog ]

Covers, B-Sides, and Rarities: Shinichi Osawa's "Star Guitar"

Ever since the first weeks that I first started off this blog, I didn’t forget to mention how much I adore the synth-pop trio from Brooklyn, Au Revoir Simone. I can’t help myself from being thrilled to find any new releases from the band. This track which is a remake of Chemical Brother’s, ‘Star Guitar’, is a collaboration between the uber excellent Tokyo based DJ/producer, Shinichi Osawa and the girls. This might just be the best cover of 2007, (though I’m afraid to say, I’ve never heard the original), fuck it, this is one of the best songs of 2007-- that’s how far I’m willing to go, it easily secures a place in the top 5 songs of 2007 in my list.

|mp3| Shinichi Osawa – Star Guitar (feat. Au Revoir Simone)

The song is simply bursting with energy; it’s electro-pop guitar music that has never looked, sound, felt, smelled, and tasted this good. Plus, there’s no better band that could seamlessly execute the vocal parts, as seamlessly as Au Revoir Simone-- makes me happy to know that I choose to love this trio.

Watch the video to Shinichi Osawa's 'Star Guitar' here »

Mad River: Down By the River

I can’t believe that it could’ve slipped my mind; amidst all the Christmas talks, and everyone’s anticipation due to it, that we here, are also celebrating a different kind of holiday. I was totally distracted by people’s stories about the Christmas spirit, and finishing up their Christmas shopping, and comics about elves figuring out how to build an iPod, that I completely forgot about our celebration. Of course no shopping for gifts or elves are involved, therefore there were no errands to be done, but I definitely shouldn’t allow myself to get distracted like this; fascinated, maybe but distracted-- definitely not.

This here is the band Mad River; the Parisian trio that’s well known for their folk-punk infused hits. Searching information of the band is no less easy, because every other review that I found concerning the band was in French, and in case you may not notice, my French is terrible, meaning-- I don’t speak French at all. That’s when the best thing to do is to just let the music do the talking. ‘Down by the River’, is a cheery, chirpy, poppy, ditty by the band; layering sharp guitar strum and clockwork drumbeats with additional highlights of sounds from the organ, it’s a blend that doesn’t make the song any less interesting then others.

|mp3| Mad River – Down By the River

:: Mad River ::
[ Official website | MySpace | Buy Lonely Are the Brave ]

Sia

Sia Kate Isobelle Furler or better known as just Sia (pronounced See-ah) is a truly great artist; well at least, I personally think so. I was first won over through the track ‘Pictures’-- which sounds like your basic, average, everyday pop song but with a whimsical twist. There’s an underlying tone that carries a cynical expression: you try to play it cool / but you're filled with fear, and sung in a blasé manner, while backed up with a catchy arrangement. It’s a charming pop number; I can’t fully explain why I really like it.

Others would better recognize her through the song, ‘Breathe Me’, which has appeared in HBO hit series, Six Feet Under. The song struck a familiarity chord on me too, but definitely not through Six Feet Under, because I’ve hardly ever seen the show. Sia will be releasing her third proper full-length LP called, some people have REAL problems, (cool title for an album) on the 8th of January next year. Here are two songs from that up and coming record: ‘Electric Birds’, which is a melancholic piece, conventional piano pop sung in a great voice (Stereogum) while highlighted with the sounds of brass instruments, and ‘Button’s’ which is pure upbeat 80’s fun, equipped with a really eccentric video that features prophylactics and pantyhoses. You’ll get such a thrill listening to her-- no doubt about that.

From Lady Croissant:

|mp3| Sia – Pictures
|mp3| Sia - I Go to Sleep

From Colour the Small One:

|mp3| Sia – Breathe Me

From Some People Have REAL Problems:


|mp3| Sia – Electric Bird
|mp3| Sia – Buttons (Bonus Track)

:: Sia ::
[ Official website | MySpace | Buy ]

Covers, B-Sides, and Rarities: The Strokes (Final pt.)

So, we’ve finally come to the end of-- pretty much all the Strokes rarity goodness that I own. There’s definitely more out there (I know it and you know it), and it’ll be time before that stash of rarities will soon be unearthed.

The Strokes doing a cover of Lou Reed or better yet, Velvet Underground just seems almost too good to be true. All I need to say is: More Please! It feels as though the band is returning to the roots of the musical influence to their remarkable music; the music which had instantly given them the title of ‘Rock Saviors’, albeit the fact that it seems like they’ve strayed off that path after they released First Impressions of Earth. ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ is one of Lou Reed’s best masterpieces and the Strokes did a fairly good job in the cover version. Here’s that cover again, but this time with the man himself. I also threw in another track-- not as rare, but worth it all the same.

|mp3| The Strokes – Walk On the Wild Side (with Lou Reed)
|mp3| The Strokes – Last Nite (Instrumental version)

Good Golly, By Jolly, This Is Really Good! #26

Shit, I have a thing for garage rock; that no one, not even my friends or members of my family can truly make sense of. Some of the bands which have been tagged with the garage rock genre are like No Age, the Greenhornes, and not forgetting, the earlier works of the Strokes-- which is by far the best kind of garage rock music I’ve ever heard. I’m addicted to the raw, loud, abrasive, worn out sounds of the music, the way you can barely hear what the lead is singing or the fact that he sings out of synch, or even the fact that you don’t need to be an accomplished singer to sing in a garage rock band just simply adds to all its merits. It’s not really Rock, it’s a lot more fun and a lot more rhythmic-- it’s garage rock.

However, although Black Lips may not necessarily be pigeon-holed as a garage rock group, this particular number - which presumably is a reference to the hurricane that occurred in New Orleans - entitled, ‘O Katrina’, immediately declares otherwise. The Black Lips are from Atlanta Georgia, and was first formed in 2000. The band have a reputation for crazy live shows that have included vomiting, urinating, nudity, band members kissing, fireworks, and a chicken, or I guess it’s just another definition of a way to have fun while performing live onstage. I’m okay about which ever way a band chooses to make sure that they have a good time while performing for a crowd, just as long as I’m not there to witness it all, I’m going to be okay. The band’s fifth record, Good Bad Not Evil has been receiving equally good reviews all around, plus not a bad thing can be said about the band. Of course, I had to add that last part, just in case you guys weren’t convinced enough.

‘O Katrina’ fares best out of all their other tracks; boisterous bass-lines with guitar riffs that’s rough around the edges and raggedy, nonchalant vocals makes it one song that’s enjoyably - enjoyable.


|mp3| Black Lips – O, Katrina

Watch video of Black Lips' 'Katrina' here »

:: Black Lips ::
[ Official website | MySpace | Buy ]

Video: Beirut – Nantes (Take-Away Show)

This video reminds me of what really drew me to Beirut’s music in the first place: the melancholic beauties in the melodies, swept over lightly with sounds of cinematic romanticism. Okay, so some words were literally hand-picked out of Filter’s review for the record (don’t hurt me), but it’s very similar to what I feel-- honest, and no other words could better describe it. A very nice, simple, inspiring video, and utilizing trash cans to work as drum parts for the song, is really clever. Zach’s voice sounds exceedingly and surprisingly nice in this, there are even glimpses of maturity as oppose to how he would normally appear: like a 16 year old. Oh, and have you heard, he won 3rd place in the Mr Indie Rock category, dedicated to the Indie Rock Hotties, in the 2007 Gummy Awards - huh, definitely did not see that one coming.

Beirut’s music is the perfect companion for the rainy day blues, although, as of right now, the rain seems to have gone considerably down. Nonetheless, I’m going through a bit of a Beirut binge due to this. I suggest, perhaps you should too? Here’s a good one to start with.

|mp3| Beirut – Venice

For Nantes mp3, click here.

Bear Colony: Hospital Rooms Aren’t for Lovers

This semester, will no doubt be one of the busiest semesters ever. Not that the previous semesters have been any less busy, but I have this heavy feeling in my bones, that by the end of this semester, the massive work overload will leave me in a bundle of lethargy and exhaustion; to the point that I’ll possibly, won’t be able to remember my name anymore. I can picture it all; the lab projects, the presentations, the assignments-- it all makes me shudder with fear. However, expect no less of this blog, because I intend to keep it going. This is the only thing at least - apart from all the dull, technical shits I’m surrounded by - that make everything a lot more worthwhile.

Bear Colony proves that inspiration can be drawn from almost anywhere; this nine-member indie outfit first started out when primary songwriter Vince Griffin was misdiagnosed with Crohns Disease, leaving him bedridden for several months while living in a fear of uncertainty, which led him to write songs as an outlet to his frustrations. He soon began sharing and exchanging his compositions via the internet with musician friends which would consequently begin the formation of a true band, by the name of Bear Colony. The underlying theme of coping and healing is palpable and frequent all through their debut, We Came Here to Die, take this track for example where the theme is clearly littered in the title, ‘Hospital Rooms Aren’t for Lovers’; the music is strangely upbeat for lyrical contents that refers to experiences of fear and frustrations. There’s certainly a touch of the bright electronic-tinged sweetness that Spin mentioned that’s easy to detect through out the tune-- accompanied also by definite acoustic strums, and mellow beats of the drum machine that spins out a pleasing, recurring intro.

|mp3| Bear Colony – Hospital Rooms Aren’t for Lovers

:: Bear Colony ::
[ Official website | MySpace | Buy We Came Here to Die ]

Random Pick of the Week: Kanye West – Flashing Lights

‘Random Pick of the Week’ is just pure randomness – or not. Its songs that I really can’t figure out where to place and are posted up anyways because – well, just because.

Taking a look at this blog really, really, really closely, you’ll see that the music I post here are very indie-rock/pop-sometimes-electronic oriented. So, if you favour some other genres such as, I don’t know, hip-hop or country maybe, then this is clearly not the place for you. But there is one of those rare, occasional, odd moments when I do make exceptions, like this one.

Consider this a repost of a post by somebody else-- so okay it isn’t really a repost, but I was first introduced to the song through this written post by Nathaniel Gravely from the uber-popular music blog, I guess I’m floating. There’s always an exception when it comes to music by Kanye West; the music is prolific and contains more substance compared to the, um, well others (what others??). The first time you’ll listen to 'Flashing Lights', you’ll think, ‘Oh wow, this is pretty good’, but it doesn’t stop there, after listening to it again, and again, repeatedly, the song gets better and better each time. The electronic beats and power driven, faltering rhythms will make you drool all over the incredible music. 'Flashing Lights' is available on Kanye's latest record, Graduation.

|mp3| Kanye West (feat. Dwele) – Flashing Lights

photo by arh14, go to his site »

Lucky Soul

Wow, the pouring weather lately; it almost feels like it’s been raining since forever. I love the rain; but it puts you in a cheerless, downcast mood, especially if you’re already in a cheerless, downcast mood. It makes things seem a lot gloomier than it already is, but I love the rain, so no complaints.

Lucky Soul’s music is such a contrast to the weather that’s going round these couple of weeks. The tunes that they conjure are the ones that make you want to stand up and dance and be perky. They relive the effervescent, sparkling 60s twee pop in their music and catchy rhythms, somewhat like the band Camera Obscura but with more charm and appeal. Lucky Soul are an indie pop sextet from Greenwich, South East London and the hullabaloo surrounding the band initially was hard for me to get by. The trick with Lucky Soul was, you had to listen to the right songs to be completely enraptured by them and these are the ones that really worked for me. Bouncy guitar lines trodden with lively drum patterns, while overlaid with lead singer’s sophisticated, honeyed vocals creates the perfect concoction to lighten up the mood on gloomy rainy days. You've got to give it a try.

Both tracks are available on band’s debut, The Great Unwanted.

|mp3| Lucky Soul – Add Your Light to Mine, Baby
|mp3| Lucky Soul – Lips are Unhappy

Don't forget to watch videos for both songs, here and here »

:: Lucky Soul ::
[ Official website | MySpace | Buy The Great Unwanted ]

Covers, B-Sides, and Rarities: The Strokes (Pt. 4)

‘Under Control’ is by no means, a rarity; it’s one of their best songs from the sophomore record, Room on Fire. But when another artist is introduced to perform a duet of the song, I find it quite rare, for the reason that it’s not often that you’ll find or rather, I’ll find the band ever doing an impromptu collaboration with just any other artist. But of course Har Mar Superstar is not just any other artist-- actually I don’t know who the heck Har Mar Superstar is, and Wikipedia offered only too little information, so all I know is that he’s a recording artist who performs RnB tunes while also being best known for his raunchy antics or dances on stage, plus he’s also opened shows for both the Strokes and Incubus. Fabrizio Moretti is currently joining him, serving his talents in Har Mar’s rhythm section.

It isn’t the best collaboration I’ve ever heard, but it’ll just be fun to give it a try anyways.

|mp3| The Strokes – Under Control (with Har Mar Superstar)


Elsewhere, but in something completely relevant; Pitchfork recently caught up with Albert Hammond Jr. to get the latest scoop on the new LP and-- yes you’ve guessed it, the Strokes.

Here’s a little snippet to let you in on what awaits you in the interview.

Pitchfork: So of course, I've gotta ask: What's the status of the next Strokes album?

AHJ: No idea, man.

For full, click here.

Good Golly, By Jolly, This Is Really Good! #25

This is Cajun Dance Party and their song ‘Amylase’. One of the commenter on ‘Good Weather for Airstrikes’ claims that this band are the best since the Strokes; I disagree. Although good and exciting and refreshing as they may sound, I wouldn’t go anywhere near to claiming that they’re the best band since the Strokes. Well, first of, their sound are completely different plus they’re so ridiculously young, (try 17) and already they’re receiving an overwhelming response and getting massive coverage from bloggers worldwide, proof: I’m writing about them right now!

There’s always a bloody good effing reason why a particular number is chosen as a ‘GoodGolly’, and it’s often simply because it’s REALLY GOOD! ‘Amylase’ doesn’t fall short of the criteria, and what makes the track instantly stand out, is the impressive, swooning, sweeping strings that comes in just as the song begins, and to discover that they’re only 17 just makes it all the more fascinating. Lead singer, Daniel Blumberg vocals has such strong resemblance to Kooks lead singer, Luke Pritchard though the glorious music that are accomplished by the striking chords are entirely their own. For a band that’s starting to get a whiff of success at such a young age, they’re already beginning to sound a lot more massive than they already are.

‘Amylase’ is their second single to be released just recently last August, with the first one being, The Next Untouchable. Their debut is set to be released sometime during summer 2008, due to the members having to sit for their A-Levels.


|mp3| Cajun Dance Party - Amylase

Watch the video for 'Amylase' here' »

:: Cajun Dance Party ::

[ Official website | MySpace | Buy Amylase Single ]

Butterfly Boucher: Bitter Song

What?! Another song featured here that’s been played on Grey’s Anatomy? This is purely a coincidence, it must be. Unless, the person who’s responsible to choose the music theme for the ever-so-popular drama series, shares the same music interest as I do, yikes, can it get any worse than this? I don’t hate Grey’s Anatomy, but I don’t really follow it either so-- yeah.

‘Bitter Song’ is entirely handcrafted by Australian singer song-writer, Butterfly Boucher, which as it turns out, is her real actual name, I mean who would’ve thought. ‘Bitter Song’ is to be released in her upcoming second album, tentatively called Scary Fragile which is scheduled to be released somewhere around 2007. Last time I checked, Scary Fragile was the working title and has yet to confirm a release date, and recently I checked again, to find that Scary Fragile is still the working title and is showing no signs of any release date, plus it’s almost the end of the year, so who knows.

The track displays every bit of a truly engaging music; Boucher’s restful, lucid vocals is only accompanied by key strokes of the tinkering piano, that often echoes in the glimpse of utter stillness. It’s only one song, but this one song is able to provide you with a good enough reason to watch out for that soon to be released record.

|mp3| Butterfly Boucher – Bitter Song

:: Butterfly Boucher ::
[ Official website | MySpace | Buy Flutterby ]

Blonde Redhead

I wouldn’t say I’m an expert in fully describing the music of avant rock trio, Blonde Redhead, but songs from their latest album, 23 have certainly caught my attention as well as many other music fans alike. The New York band is essentially made up of Kazu Makino and Italian twins, Simone and Amadeo Pace, and to not acknowledge their music is just plain wrong. The attraction lies simply in the uniqueness of their craftsmanship, I wouldn’t be exact to know how much their music has come across and gone through a metamorphosis since they first started in 1993, but one thing’s for sure is that music of these kinds, are not meant to be overlooked.

One thing in common that you’ll immediately notice in both of these two songs is Kazu Makino’s ’ high, eerie voice, which hovers over melodic guitar riffs and clockwork drum beats’. Both of these two songs carry a different set of mood and vibe, but are equally superb in its own right. ‘23’ is definitely more dramatic, cinematic, and possesses all imposing sounds of the shoegaze genre. The music is naturally brooding and haunting at the first listen, but once you let the music sink in, you’ll soon identify with what makes it a great song. ‘Silently’ is that track that automatically finds itself under the category of the expression-that-is-oh-so-often-used-here-at-DBaC, ‘music that’s not hard to like’, and the reason for this is because it boasts a certain familiarity; ‘thrumming dance hall beat and wonderfully varied harmonic progression’.

|mp3| Blonde Redhead – 23
|mp3| Blonde Redhead – Silently

:: Blonde Redhead ::
[ Official website | MySpace | Buy ]

Video: Albert Hammond Jr. - Call an Ambulance

To not let the weirdness of yesterday get to our heads, or should I say, ahem, your heads, I’d just like to inform, that I just finished well-- editing a video for one of Albert Hammond Jr’s song, ‘Call an Ambulance’. Footages are taken entirely from this particular video, and those who’ve watched it till the end, must’ve had the utmost patience and endurance, that any normal human being could muster up. Kudos to you!

It’s just simple, basic video editing that anyone can do, so a lot of people say, but-- did you? Well, I know I did, and I enjoyed making it. This video is evidently the unofficial video for the song, but by all means; do mistake it as the official because that would mean a lot to me, and my ego – that frail entity called ‘my ego’.

For mp3, click here.

**The original video is dark and low in quality, hence after editing, it becomes even darker and lower in quality. Plus, after it’s gone through the whole process of being uploaded to YouTube, the video has almost resulted to a video of 5 obscure and unidentifiable faces. Therefore, for better viewing, download video by clicking here.

Control: A Review

I spent some parts (which is kind of like most of it anyway) of my previous break, trying to get my hands on the Ian Curtis biopic film titled ‘Control’, and alas! I finally did.

Main character, Sam Riley who played the role of Ian Curtis, did in a way, probably at some angles and certain moment resemble Mr. Curtis himself, but you can’t help but be deeply fixated on the character he plays throughout the entire film. I read what Curtis’ daughter, Natalie had to say about the film, and although she may have her own personal issues pertaining to it, I’m drawn by the way she refers to her father, as ‘the boy, who’ll always be younger than me’ - one can only imagine.

The best thing about making a film about the late Ian Curtis, or rather Joy Division, is that their beautiful music breathes life into each scene, the next inspired by the previous, leaving audience transfixed by some of those little moments and of the small gestures - the littlest things in the film which I always find, are the ones that I remember the most. The cinematography is breathtaking and I’m glad that this film has less unnecessary or redundant scenes, like most films such as this, tend to have. I only wished that the ending or otherwise known as the suicide incident of Ian Curtis would’ve had more impact, and wouldn’t have just passed by without us noticing. The whole storyline was built towards that one prominent scene, one would presume, that the particular part would certainly be the most dramatic.

I’m being immensely generous today; I can’t imagine how anyone can go on living through life without having a taste of this music. These are some which I’ve grown to love more and more by each consequent listen. Who knows how true Anton Corbijn stayed to the actual story, but who cares, the music’s awesome.

|mp3| Joy Division – She’s Lost Control
|mp3| Joy Division – Transmission
|mp3| Joy Division – Insight
|mp3| Joy Division – Leaders of Men
|mp3| Joy Division – No Love Lost

These above songs are permanently stuck in my head, even when I’m in class in the middle of a lecture; I’m replaying the songs on an infinite loop in my head and now you know my deepest, darkest secret. Something about the vibe in the air right now, make the songs totally apt with the mood.

For a better picture and to show how much awesomeness you're missing out on, here's the trailer.

Covers, B-Sides, and Rarities: The Strokes (Pt. 3)

Tomorrow a new semester starts and a few question arises: am I excited? No. Am I looking forward to this? No. Do I feel like running away to some entirely remote place at the very last minute, so no one can find me and I wouldn’t feel the obligation of wanting to return back to campus? Y—no. I mean all rationalities aside, I would if I could.

Here’s another incredibly rare cover by the Strokes, of the Ramones track called, ‘It’s Not My Place (In the 9 to 5 World)’ and yup, no one could’ve said it better and really have meant it than the band themselves. Soak into this treat; cause even I haven't had the chance to let my ears fully delve into the song.

|mp3| The Strokes - It's Not My Place (In the 9 to 5 World) (Ramones cover)

Aqualung

My relationship with Aqualung’s music goes way back; even before the first day I ventured into the treasure trove of under-rated music. The music wasn’t quite as outstanding as I hoped it would be, but it required a couple of listening to fully believe that Matt Hales, the one man wonder behind Aqualung is truly a musician that’s one of a kind, although ‘Brighter than Sunshine’ might just be one of the most over-rated music theme to ever be used in commercials, drama series, movies, etc.

Now he’s back with brand new album, Memory Man equipped with a brand new sound that no longer resembles the chilled-out, downbeat balladry he makes in his last record. ‘Pressure Suit’ is a really good first single and introduction to the new album, which builds its story around outer space imageries highlighted by lyrics that are heavily driven with science-fiction. Nothing about the melodies are remotely futuristic or robot-esque; its straightforward, contemporary balladry, finished with a brooding mood and dulcet, flowing vocals provided by Matt Hales.

Here are some not-to-be-missed highlights from the new album.

|mp3| Aqualung – Pressure Suit
|mp3| Aqualung – Cinderella
|mp3| Aqualung – Outside

:: Aqualung ::
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