Young Rebel Set provides just good rock, at times it can be folky but it's mainly just good indie rock. I'd probably compare them to a not as hard Gaslight Anthem. Their frontman, Matty Chipchase, provides a really mature and strong vocal. Never really losing control, he just keeps a nice pitch and always stays on point.
Their recent release Curse Our Love has some acoustic stuff and some straight rock on it. Throughout the album, the sound shifts and gives it a sense of a complete album as opposed to just a bunch of singles lumped together. A couple stand outs for me were "Won't Get Up Again" and "Bagatelle". The latter kind of reminds me of some Eric Clapton, which is quite the high praise but I think it's worthy of it from a musical stand point and a vocal stand point.
Young Rebel Set - Won't Get Up Again
Young Rebel Set | Myspace Music Videos
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Julian Lynch
Today's entry is an instrumental track off of Julian Lynch's latest release "Terra". The album has a wide array of music on it, from folk to instrumental jazz. The opening track "Terra" is kind of in between both of those.
The standout track for me is "Ground". As Pitchfork put it, it seems like "meditative jazz". It's just really good musicianship and is very soothing. So both that and the opening track "Terra" are below to give a small sampling off this versatile album.
The standout track for me is "Ground". As Pitchfork put it, it seems like "meditative jazz". It's just really good musicianship and is very soothing. So both that and the opening track "Terra" are below to give a small sampling off this versatile album.
JULIAN LYNCH - "GROUND" from Zahid Jiwa on Vimeo.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
WU LYF
In what seems similar to the Odd Future phenomenon, Wu Lyf is equally blowing up in that same fashion. WU LYF stands for World Unite! Lucifer Youth Foundation and they are out of Manchester, England. They recently released their debut album Go Tell Fire To The Mountain and holy crap is it refreshing. It's hard to describe their sound other than epic. It has a feel of Explosions In The Sky at times from a musical stand point but then the vocals are just its own crazy entity, kind of like a raspier Matt Vasquez from Delta Spirit.
Their website, http://www.wulyf.org/, is equally as off the wall, in a positive way. It has the video for "Dirt "embedded in the background which starts off by flashing to the tribal drumming of the song and really kind of takes you by surprise. That will give you a small sampling of their sound. Easily one of the most unique albums of this year and maybe over the last several years. Below is the aforementioned "Dirt" and one of my favorite's "Heavy Pop", the album's closing track.
Their website, http://www.wulyf.org/, is equally as off the wall, in a positive way. It has the video for "Dirt "embedded in the background which starts off by flashing to the tribal drumming of the song and really kind of takes you by surprise. That will give you a small sampling of their sound. Easily one of the most unique albums of this year and maybe over the last several years. Below is the aforementioned "Dirt" and one of my favorite's "Heavy Pop", the album's closing track.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hhymn
Hhymn's debut album In The Depths was released last month and the opening track instantly reminded me of Fanfarlo. The folky twang on the vocals, the light drumming, and even the horns. It all just blends so well together. Then I came across this live version of the opening track "These Hands" being performed out in the middle of Winter.
It really is quite remarkable that the band, film crew, and listeners just sat out in this weather for a recording. So that performance is below and you can also get a free download if you head over to their site http://www.hhymn.co.uk/. They also have links on their site to purchase their album so make sure to do that after you hear "These Hands", because you'll definitely be wanting more.
It really is quite remarkable that the band, film crew, and listeners just sat out in this weather for a recording. So that performance is below and you can also get a free download if you head over to their site http://www.hhymn.co.uk/. They also have links on their site to purchase their album so make sure to do that after you hear "These Hands", because you'll definitely be wanting more.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Justin Vernon & Kanye West
Most know that Justin Vernon (listed as Bon Iver on the album) contributed a bit to Kanye's latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The song "Lost in the World", is probably the track that has the most Justin on it What most don't know is that the chorus to that song is actually a re-working of a Bon Iver song "Woods". For comparison's sake:
"Woods"
I'm up in the woods
I'm down on my mind
I'm building a still
to slow down the time.
"Lost in the World"
I'm lost in the world
I'm down on my life
I'm new in the city
and I'm down for the night
Justin does sing the "Woods" lyrics to open the track, but then they are reworked to fit the song Kanye intended. Both of them are below to hear just how they were intertwined and reworked. The "Lost in the World" version below is the one from this year's Coachella, in the odd chance that you haven't seen Kanye's Coachella set I think most of it is on youtube so I'd look that up in addition to this song.
"Woods"
I'm up in the woods
I'm down on my mind
I'm building a still
to slow down the time.
"Lost in the World"
I'm lost in the world
I'm down on my life
I'm new in the city
and I'm down for the night
Justin does sing the "Woods" lyrics to open the track, but then they are reworked to fit the song Kanye intended. Both of them are below to hear just how they were intertwined and reworked. The "Lost in the World" version below is the one from this year's Coachella, in the odd chance that you haven't seen Kanye's Coachella set I think most of it is on youtube so I'd look that up in addition to this song.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
DeYarmond Edison
Justin DeYarmond Edison Vernon is Justin's full name, hence the name of this other side project DeYarmond Edison. This project was the precursor to Bon Iver. This projects sound is pretty much an acoustic bluegrass folk. It's also a cool project because it can kind of show you how Justin has transformed his sound throughout the years and throughout various projects.
"Silent Signs" is one of the best songs to come out of this project. It really has all those aforementioned elements. The acoustic guitar and a folky bluegrass feel with the added harmonica parts. After all is said and done, Justin has had one hell of a run the last 8 or so years and his fans are probably wanting even more material even though he just released a new album. So hopefully "Silent Signs" below gives completes his scope of sounds he's achieved in his career thus far.
"Silent Signs" is one of the best songs to come out of this project. It really has all those aforementioned elements. The acoustic guitar and a folky bluegrass feel with the added harmonica parts. After all is said and done, Justin has had one hell of a run the last 8 or so years and his fans are probably wanting even more material even though he just released a new album. So hopefully "Silent Signs" below gives completes his scope of sounds he's achieved in his career thus far.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Volcano Choir
Continuing with the Justin Vernon theme, today brings Volcano Choir. This was the first side project I had heard from him after being introduced to Bon Iver. When comparing it to Bon Iver, I'd say it's not as folky and has more of a production with some songs having some electronic workings. A song that fits the latter is "Island, IS". On first listen, it seems completely different than Bon Iver but after you listen to it more and more you can hear remnants of them ringing through. So give that a listen just to see what else Mr. Vernon is capable of pulling off.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Gayngs
After yesterday's post about Bon Iver, I figured I could go through all or most of Justin Vernon's other collaborations. So today will be Gayngs. Gayngs has an 80s soft rock feel to it with some of the 80s synthesizers in it. While recording their record, Relayted, it was said that they more than 25 musicians helping.
As one can imagine, some songs may end up being longer than most songs because you just have so many people wanting to add in a little part here or there. Such is the case with "The Gaudy Side of Town", the album's opening track. It clocks in at just over 7 minutes (the youtube video is only 6:30 though), but it really encompasses their entire sound into one song. So below you'll find that and what is my favorite song from the album, "Spanish Platinum".
As one can imagine, some songs may end up being longer than most songs because you just have so many people wanting to add in a little part here or there. Such is the case with "The Gaudy Side of Town", the album's opening track. It clocks in at just over 7 minutes (the youtube video is only 6:30 though), but it really encompasses their entire sound into one song. So below you'll find that and what is my favorite song from the album, "Spanish Platinum".
Monday, June 20, 2011
Bon Iver
I've been kind of torn the last couple days on if I should repeat artists. I figured that I'd eventually have to. So I came up with a rule for myself: Only repeat if/when that artist has a new album out.
So having said that, I am allowing myself to talk about the new Bon Iver album due out tomorrow, Bon Iver, Bon Iver. You can stream it in its entirety over at Rolling Stone http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/bon-iver-20110526.
The opening track, "Perth", really sets the tone for the album. You can initially hear how much more of a full production sound this album will have as opposed to the rawness of For Emma, Forever Ago. Maybe it came from Justin with working with a lot more artists since that release, most notably giving a heavy contribution on Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Below is the first single off of the new album, "Calgary". This also gives you a great idea of the production behind this album. So check out that below and then head over to Rolling Stone to listen to the rest of the album and don't forget to pick it up tomorrow.
So having said that, I am allowing myself to talk about the new Bon Iver album due out tomorrow, Bon Iver, Bon Iver. You can stream it in its entirety over at Rolling Stone http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/bon-iver-20110526.
The opening track, "Perth", really sets the tone for the album. You can initially hear how much more of a full production sound this album will have as opposed to the rawness of For Emma, Forever Ago. Maybe it came from Justin with working with a lot more artists since that release, most notably giving a heavy contribution on Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Below is the first single off of the new album, "Calgary". This also gives you a great idea of the production behind this album. So check out that below and then head over to Rolling Stone to listen to the rest of the album and don't forget to pick it up tomorrow.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Cults
Another brand new release from a week ago, Cults by Cults is a very strong debut release. This duo (more than 2 when live) really has a great sound. Two tracks that really stuck out to me on my first few listens were "You Know What I Mean" and "Oh My God". The former sounds like it is straight from the 60s. I can just see it being played at a high school dance back then and the girls finally being forced to dance with the guys. "Oh My God" is more of a fun track and has a real girly pop feel to it.
Make sure to go out and grab the debut album and listen to all the other tracks this album has to offer. You can also go over to their bandcamp site, http://cults.bandcamp.com/, and listen to most of the album. Here are the two aforementioned tracks above for a small glimpse at what Cults has to offer on it.
Make sure to go out and grab the debut album and listen to all the other tracks this album has to offer. You can also go over to their bandcamp site, http://cults.bandcamp.com/, and listen to most of the album. Here are the two aforementioned tracks above for a small glimpse at what Cults has to offer on it.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Givers
Givers' debut album, In Light, was released last week. Through a few listens thus far, it is making itself a serious contender for one of the top albums of the year. It's got a little bit of everything on it. "Up Up Up" at times is folky, at times rock, and at times pop; it's just a microcosm of their sound encompassed in one song.
Givers made their TV debut last night on Fallon, playing the aforementioned "Up Up Up", and they absolutely killed it. They were so awesome. In fact, I went and found that performance instead of the usual album version because of how great it is. So watch that below. On a side-note: I have to give Fallon and Co some huge credit. They give more indie acts their TV debuts than any other late night show. So watch their performance on his show and go out and grab In Light to hear what else they have to offer.
Givers made their TV debut last night on Fallon, playing the aforementioned "Up Up Up", and they absolutely killed it. They were so awesome. In fact, I went and found that performance instead of the usual album version because of how great it is. So watch that below. On a side-note: I have to give Fallon and Co some huge credit. They give more indie acts their TV debuts than any other late night show. So watch their performance on his show and go out and grab In Light to hear what else they have to offer.
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Whisperlights
The Whisperlights are made up of members of other Phoenix, AZ based groups, so technically you could call them a "Phoenix supergroup". You can head over to their site, http://thewhisperlights.bandcamp.com/, and get Wake Up Dead for a measly $5.
The intro to "Death" almost sounds like it was recorded from a live show where a band gets going while the lead singer has yet to appear on stage and then the beat kicks in and the song gets going and he comes out to sing. This song is off of their debut album Wake Up Dead. It feels like a more folky version of Airborne Toxic Event, and the song definitely deserves such a high comparison.
The intro to "Death" almost sounds like it was recorded from a live show where a band gets going while the lead singer has yet to appear on stage and then the beat kicks in and the song gets going and he comes out to sing. This song is off of their debut album Wake Up Dead. It feels like a more folky version of Airborne Toxic Event, and the song definitely deserves such a high comparison.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Boy & Bear
Lately, it seems as if Australia has a lot of great indie artists. And why shouldn't they since they are responsible for Men At Work. Boy & Bear are from Sydney, Australia and are kind of a folk band but use some electric guitars so it's not too folky. They debuted with a solid EP in 2010 entitled With Emperor Antarctica.
Their 2011 single "Feeding Line" is carrying on their sound and giving them even more momentum leading up to their debut album Moonfire, which is tentatively set for an August release. They have definitely set a solid foundation on what a fan can expect from them and I can't wait to hear the album. Unfortunately their video for "Feeding Line" isn't available for "my country" (never seen that on youtube). So we are stuck with just the music for now, but that's definitely not a bad thing.
Their 2011 single "Feeding Line" is carrying on their sound and giving them even more momentum leading up to their debut album Moonfire, which is tentatively set for an August release. They have definitely set a solid foundation on what a fan can expect from them and I can't wait to hear the album. Unfortunately their video for "Feeding Line" isn't available for "my country" (never seen that on youtube). So we are stuck with just the music for now, but that's definitely not a bad thing.
Friendly Fires
Due out in two weeks, Friendly Fires' new album Pala is garnering a lot of attention. If you head over to http://hypem.com/#!/artist/Friendly%20Fires you can stream the entire thing to get more from this upcoming album.
After running through it a couple of times, it has become a very solid album. A couple of tracks really got my attention, one of them being "Blue Cassettes". It's just a great pop-electronica-dance track, as is most of the album. So if you like what you hear below make sure to check out that link above and don't forget to grab it when it comes out May 24th.
After running through it a couple of times, it has become a very solid album. A couple of tracks really got my attention, one of them being "Blue Cassettes". It's just a great pop-electronica-dance track, as is most of the album. So if you like what you hear below make sure to check out that link above and don't forget to grab it when it comes out May 24th.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Frank Ocean
Odd Future is best known for its violence and hate lyrics. They also just like to go crazy and have fun at their shows. But Frank Ocean (one of the later additions to the group) is almost the opposite. He sings and brings more of the R&B vibe to the group. He does the chorus for "She" on the recently released Goblin by Tyler, The Creator. His sound really brings something different to the group and allows them to do more than just rap.
His mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra will be very hard to beat as the top mixtape of the year. On it he has some original workings and he also does some sampling, including Coldplay and The Eagles. He actually even reworks "Hotel California" completely and it is quite mesmerizing. So the "Hotel California" reworking and "Novacane" are below, although the "American Wedding" is a tad sped up for some reason. Make sure to find Nostalgia, Ultra and give it a few listens.
His mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra will be very hard to beat as the top mixtape of the year. On it he has some original workings and he also does some sampling, including Coldplay and The Eagles. He actually even reworks "Hotel California" completely and it is quite mesmerizing. So the "Hotel California" reworking and "Novacane" are below, although the "American Wedding" is a tad sped up for some reason. Make sure to find Nostalgia, Ultra and give it a few listens.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Audiafauna
This song "Roots" by Audiafauna has it all. Great vocals, great beat, and even mixing some strings with electronic sounds. It doesn't seem very often that you get such a hip-hop beat put to strings with soulful female vocals and have an overall working song. The parts are just so vastly different that it doesn't seem like it should work, but it does and exceptionally well at that. Did I forget to mention the fiddle breakdown? I'll stop ruining its surprises and just let you listen to it.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Foster The People
The debut album Torches from Foster The People seems to becoming the "album of the summer". The album has this dance-rock vibe to it that would be perfect for when you're driving to the beach and have the windows down.
The hit song off of it "Pumped Up Kicks" has received some high praise, with many people calling it the "anthem of the summer". While that song is great, hopefully it doesn't take away from how strong the rest of the album is below. To show its strength, there is also another great song off the album below just to give a more rounded representation of their sound.
The hit song off of it "Pumped Up Kicks" has received some high praise, with many people calling it the "anthem of the summer". While that song is great, hopefully it doesn't take away from how strong the rest of the album is below. To show its strength, there is also another great song off the album below just to give a more rounded representation of their sound.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Arctic Monkeys
It seems like a good portion of the indie scene has moved away from rock in its truest sense. The dreamy-pop seems to have kind of stepped in and taken over, which I'm not complaining about. It's just hard to find that good rock sometimes. Having said that, the new Arctic Monkeys, "Suck It And See", comes out on June 5th and should provide us with that great true rock.
Leading up to this release they've been releasing some songs from it and "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair" has really stuck out for me. Surprising to me, the video for it already has over a million hits and it's only been out a little over a month. So needles to say, this album's release is highly anticipated by a lot of people. Hopefully this British rock group will continue to please us fans with more great music like the song below.
Leading up to this release they've been releasing some songs from it and "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair" has really stuck out for me. Surprising to me, the video for it already has over a million hits and it's only been out a little over a month. So needles to say, this album's release is highly anticipated by a lot of people. Hopefully this British rock group will continue to please us fans with more great music like the song below.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Lettercamp
Sometimes a cover can be the same thing just a different voice. Sometimes a remix or a cover can completely change the vibe of the song. The latter applies to Lettercamp's version of "The Denial Twist", originally a White Stripes song. Adding some synths and giving it a more club dancing feel really made me view the song in a different light. The original is fine by itself, but I've become more of a fan of this one just because it's more fun.
Lettercamp is from the mind of Liz Wittman and the rest of their music doesn't stray far from this cover. It seems like bands covering other bands has kind of become a lost art. I always think it's cool when you go to a show and they cover a song from a band that influenced them or that they look up to. Hopefully more bands start to do it.
Lettercamp is from the mind of Liz Wittman and the rest of their music doesn't stray far from this cover. It seems like bands covering other bands has kind of become a lost art. I always think it's cool when you go to a show and they cover a song from a band that influenced them or that they look up to. Hopefully more bands start to do it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)