I love of Montreal, so I thought I'd share the love with you guys. Their latest album, Skeletal Lamping, features some brilliant work, including the gem Plastis Wafers. The song is over seven minutes long, but I've always thought that the first two minutes and forty seconds would make for a great single. So I was playing around in GarageBand and decided to create an edit for myself. Then I thought I'd share it with you guys. And what a nice welcome back gift, I think:
It's the last day of one amazing year...at least musically speaking. Sure, record sales and the economy are down, but digital single downloads have never been higher. Reflecting on 2007, I think I appreciated the albums far more than I did the songs. This year, it's just the opposite. I had countless songs that I loved, but only a few albums (as a whole) that generated excitement. I really had to work at coming up with albums for my year end list, but I couldn't list enough songs. In fact, at one point, I had over one hundred and fifty songs on my list.
1. That's Not My Name, The Ting Tings 2. L.E.S. Artistes, Santogold 3. Back Of The Van, Ladyhawke 4. Human, The Killers 5. The Toast, Nervous Cabaret 6. Kiss With A Fist, Florence And The Machine 7. I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked, Ida Maria 8. Id Engager, Of Montreal 9. Little Garcon, Born Ruffians 10. Something Is Not Right With Me, Cold War Kids 11. Bullets, Tunng 12. Ghosts, Laura Marling 13. Be The One, The Ting Tings 14. Ready For The Floor, Hot Chip 15. Cologne, Dolly Parton 16. Spaceman, The Killers 17. Mansard Roof, Vampire Weekend 18. Little Bit, Lykke Li 19. Christopher And Anthony, Jape 20. Dog Days Are Over, Florence And The Machine 21. Gobbledigook, Sigur Ros 22. I Like It Casual, Little Jinder 23. I Wrote This Song, Jonna Lee 24. You, Me And The Bourgeoisie, The Submarines 25. Brooklyn Go Hard, Jay-Z feat. Santogold 26. Shake It! Shake It!, Thomas Tantrum 27. Spiralling, Keane 28. Mercy, Duffy 29. It's Not My Problem, Sneaky Sound System 30. Shut Up And Let Me Go, The Ting Tings 31. Better Than Sunday, Ladyhawke 32. Shake That Devil, Antony And The Johnsons 33. Where Do I Begin, Sneaky Sound System 34. Joy, Temposhark 35. Beat (Health, Life And Fire), Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down 36. My Baby Left Me, Rox 37. Crime, Najwajean 38. Gallery Piece, Of Montreal 39. Fruit Machine, The Ting Tings 40. Turn Tail, The Young Knives 41. Paris Is Burning, Ladyhawke 42. I Wish I Could Keep You, Little Pictures 43. Perfect Problem, The Ting Tings 44. You Cheated Me, Martha Wainwright 45. Time To Pretend, MGMT 46. My Drive Thru, Santogold/Pharrel/Julian Casablancas 47. Young Love, Moto Boy 48. They Don't Believe, Russian Red 49. Mademoiselle Opposum, Barbara Carlotti 50. Great DJ, The Ting Tings 51. Don't Leave, Ane Brun 52. Evident Utensil, Chairlift 53. A Dustland Fairytale, The Killers 54. Out Like Bats, Tu Fawning 55. Cold Shoulder, Adele 56. Break In Violence, Nervous Cabaret 57. S E V E N T E E N, Marine And The Diamonds 58. People C'mon, Delta Spirit 59. Good Time, Brazilian Girls 60. M79, Vampire Weekend 61. Heavy Heart, Ghostland Observatory 62. Feel The Love, Cut Copy 63. Dumpster Diving, Castledoor 64. Neon Tiger, The Killers 65. Disco Fiasco, Kristoffer Ragnstam 66. On My Own Again, Kleerup 67. Used To Be, Beach House 68. Springtime, Annuals 69. Watchmaker, The Tom Fun Orchestra 70. Bag Of Hammers, Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down 71. Girls Girls Girls, Marina And The Diamonds 72. Chupee, Cocoon 73. GFC, Albert Hammond, Jr. 74. El Presente, Julieta Venegas 75. No One But Yourself To Blame, Bo Pepper 76. It's The Love, The Breeders 77. Spotlight, Jennifer Hudson 78. Make Me Smile, Pearl And The Pirates 79. Knickerbocker, Fujiya & Miyagi 80. Lay It Down, Peter Bjorn And John 81. Vidas Paralelas, Ximena Sariñana 82. Through The Night These Days, Jason Collett 83. That's That, Cass McCombs 84. Creeper, Islands 85. The Ides, FrYars 86. How Am I To Be, The Watson Twins 87. Love Is A Stranger, Martha Wainwright 88. Two Weeks, Grizzly Bear 89. The Escapist, The Streets 90. you Have Been Loved, Sia 91. How I Could Just Kill A Man, Charlotte Sometimes 92. And You Give, Michael Barber 93. Hard Line, Jill Barber 94. You Stood Me Up, Benji Hughes 95. Two Doors Down, Mystery Jet 96. This House Can Fit Us All, Little Pictures 97. In Or Out, Britta Persson 98. Beat Control, Tilly And The Wall 99. Wash Away, The Chapin Sisters 100. Disco Lies, Moby
In reflecting on this past year's films, it comes down to two films that had the most impact on me. One is my favourite, the other, in my opinion, the best film of the year.
Vicky Christina Barcelona
The latest Woody Allen movie is the favourite for many reasons. For starters, it's hilarious. I don't think I was expecting it to be quite so funny when I first ventured out to see it, but was pleasantly surprised by just how enjoyable it was. So much so I returned the following weekend to see it again...alone. Surprisingly, the only other film that I had watched alone at a theatre was another Woody Allen film, 'Match Point'. Secondly, the acting was flawless. During the first viewing, I was in love with Rachel Hall's performance. The second go round, I sat up and took notice of Penelope Cruz's brilliant performance. If it weren't for Viola Davis in 'Doubt', Penelope would be the front-runner for the Supporting Actress Oscar. In my opinion, at least. Finally, I related well to one of the characters in many ways, especially their philosophy on love. Oh, and it's one of those rare movies I not only can watch over and over, but that I actually want to watch again and again.
Waltz With Bashir
The BEST film of the year. It's the story of a man on a journey to reclaim his memories of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon by having former comrades tell stories they'd most likely wish they didn't remember. The beautiful animation distracts you from the fact that you're actually watching a documentary all the way up until the brutal, haunting final images. It had such an impact on the entire audience that not one person stirred until it was well into the credits. The film is riveting, engaging and one of the most beautiful films that I've ever seen. On a side note, Max Richter's score is breathtaking. Hopefully it will be nominated for an Oscar since the film itself has been shut out of the Documentary category due to a lame technicality.
So it's the end of the year. A wonderful year, indeed. Aside from moving to NYC and getting a new job, the year was full of amazing concerts and brilliant music. Tomorrow I will post my favourite songs from the past year, but today I am focusing on albums. Keep in mind that this is not a best of list, just a list of my favourites. In keeping with the last post, I'm listing 29 to coincide with my age. Also, I don't feel much like explaining what I like about them, as I just am not really in the mood.
1. The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing 2. The Killers, Day & Age 3. of Montreal, Skeletal Lamping 4. Santogold, Santogold 5. Ladyhawke, Ladyhawke 6. Jape, Ritual 7. Nervous Cabaret, Drop Drop (In A Little Bottle) 8. Robyn, Robyn 9. Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend 10. Adele, 19 11. MGMT, Oracular Spectacular 12. Cold War Kids, Loyalty To Loyalty 13. Sigur Ros, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust 14. Dolly Parton, Backwoods Barbie 15. Hot Chip, Made In The Dark 16. Ane Brune, Changing Of The Seasons 17. OST, Waltz With Bashir 18. The Submarines, Honeysuckle Weeks 19. Sia, Some People Have REAL Problems 20. Keane, Perfect Symmetry 21. Cut Copy, In Ghost Colours 22. Duffy, Rockferry 23. Sneaky Sound System, 2 24. Russian Red, I Love Your Glasses 25. Lykke Li, Youth Novels 26. Laura Marling, Alas, I Cannot Swim 27. Barbara Carlotti, L’ideal 28. Little Pictures, Owl + Owl 29. The Tom Fun Orchestra, You Will Land With A Thud
I know I haven't been around. Now that I will be traveling for work with greater frequency beginning next month, the chances of me being around here more are low. I considered giving the blog up, but I can't bring myself to do so. Instead, I think I may stick to either a weekly or bi-weekly format. What are your thoughts?
On with the show...
As is the now annual tradition, below are my most played songs from the past year according to Last.fm. As per usual, the number coincides with my birthday since I usually post it on my birthday. That didn't happen this year, but I'm still sticking with the trend.
In regards to the tracks, I don't completely agree with the rankings. There were periods of time that I didn't have internet connection and other times where tracks had more plays scrobbled than should have been. One notable track missing is I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked by Ida Maria. I know that I played it more often than Kiss With A Fist, but there was always an issue that prevented it from being scrobbled. But I digress. Here's the list as is.
Track/Artist
1. That's Not My Name, The Ting Tings 2. Nantes, Beirut 3. L.E.S. Artistes, Santogold 4. Back Of The Van, Ladyhawke 5. Shut Up And Let Me Go, The Ting Tings 6. Fruit Machine, The Ting Tings 7. Great DJ, The Ting Tings 8. Id Engager, Of Montreal 9. Jimmy, Of Montreal 10. Be The One, The Ting Tings 11. Underneath, Alanis Morissette 12. Human, The Killers 13. Mercy, Duffy 14. Ghosts, Laura Marling 15. The Zombies Are Inside Out, Feisty Stevens (a/k/a - Feist vs. Sufjan Stevens) 16. Tired, Adele 17. Something Is Not Right With Me, Cold War Kids 18. Past In Present, Feist 19. Kiss With A Fist, Florence And The Machine 20. We Get On, Kate Nash 21. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb, Spoon 22. How I Could Just Kill A Man, Charlotte Sometimes 23. Perfect Problem, Don't Be A Stranger 24. You'll Find A Way, Santogold 25. Back In Your Head, Tegan And Sara 26. Cologne, Dolly Parton 27. Paris Is Burning, Ladyhawke 28. Crash And Burn Girl, Robyn 29. Joy, Temposhark
As for my favourite tracks and albums of the year, those lists will hit the blog next week. I'm on holiday from today through Monday. I leave in a few hours for Indiana (blah) and will most likely not have internet access where I'll be.
I wasn't sure if I would ever return to the world of blogging, but today's protest against Prop 8 compelled me to make at least one new entry. I can't even begin to put into words just how moved by today's events I was. Way more than five thousand people crowded around City Hall in downtown Manhattan (covering, at the very least, five city blocks) to show support for equal rights for everyone. There were so many people (myself included) that were nearly brought to tears several times throughout the rally. Below are a few random shots of the crowd:
Here are a few videos that I was able to capture:
YES WE WILL!!!
Heather Matarazzo, Actress, Lesbian (we met her after the rally and she is so genuine and sincere)
Christine C. Quinn, NYC City Council Speaker
Emanuel Xavier, Poet, Activist, Author, Gay Man
Gay Men's Chorussinging the national anthem
Also out to show their support:
Kate Shindle
Former Miss America, HIV/AIDS Activist
Kim Stolz
America's Next Top Model Cycle 5 Contestant, MTV News correspondent, Host of mtvU series 'The Freshman', Model
I know I've been away from the blog for a while...and I'm actually considering taking a break for a little while longer. Right now it just seems like a chore when I post, and something like this shouldn't. That just tells me that my heart just isn't in it right now. But I've hit a bit of a rough patch here lately, dealing with being a little bit homesick (just missing my friends back in Texas a bit). I expect to be back up and running after my visit back "home" this time next month.
All that aside, though, I just stumbled across a great emerging artist. She's a Brit and, at least with the song I'm posting, sounds very ABBA-esque. Of course, I'm not the biggest ABBA fan, so I may be way off on that comparison. Judge for yourself, though. The singer is Marina And The Diamonds (despite the name, it's just her) and the song is Girls Girls Girls.
Like I Birthed You From Some Greasy Crevice On My Underside
I know that I have been absent for a couple weeks, but here come the excuses! Work has been busier and more draining than usual. My mother was in town for a few days. My laptop is nearing the end of its run and has essentially become a desktop. And my dog at my homework. But now I'm back...somewhat. Unfortunately, I am traveling for work and do not have access to my extensive collection of music; therefore, I am unable to post newer music. As a result, I'll be taking the NBC route and presenting a "it's new to you" song from a band that I've previously posted about here.
The Tom Fun Orchestra is, apparently, "the world's premier Vaudevillian Cluster Rock ensemble featuring an ambitious mix of electric and acoustic instruments and enough skilled musicians on stage to intimidate even the largest crowds." In other words, think of them as Canada's answer to Gogol Bordello...only without the accent. I posted their most accessible song, Watchmaker, back a while ago. After I wore that song out, the band's other songs became lost in the immense number of new songs that have been coming my way. The other day, though, I felt compelled to revisit their music and was reminded of just how interesting their work is. That's why I'm posting their song When You Were Mine. It may take a few listens, so give it a chance. For additional songs and tour dates (sadly, none in the U.S.), visit them on MySpace.
I'm a big fan of free stuff, but an even bigger fan of free music. It is a safe assumption that if you're here, then you probably are, too. Which is why I'm happy to let you in on not only some free tunes, but what I consider to be some really fantastic songs. I'd definitely pay for them if it weren't already available for no charge. Richard Swift creates some gorgeous tunes with only a four-track recorder and a computer. His new EP, Ground Trouble Jar, sounds straight out of the 60s or 70s and feature some beautiful vocals. So head over HERE to download the album if you like the sample below.
The always beyond brilliant Ladyhawke is back with her third single, Dusk Till Dawn. As per usual, both the song and video have an undeniable 80s vibe. And get ready for September 22nd, cause that's when she finally releases her album...something we've all been waiting some time for.
So I have three new obsessions that just started this week. The first is, if you know me at all, quite shocking due to my lifelong dislike of fruit. I was roaming the LES over the weekend and felt compelled to try out Liquiteria. As I was studying the menu, one of the guys behind the bar asked if I wanted a sample. It was taken with much hesitancy because the Green Monster (which, contrary to what the name suggests, is not actually green) contains my most hated of all fruits...strawberry (you'll also find blueberries and bananas in there). To my delight, the mixture was sweet and delicious. Now I find myself scurrying over there at least once a day...out of the way (and rather pricey - a little more than $6 for my drink alone) as it may be.
This second one comes as a shock for me. I generally don't do too much reading, aside from the occasional magazine. In fact, the only time I have ever truly been captivated by a novel is when I was reading The Fountainhead in high school and, in the past decade since, any of the three works of the brilliant Zadie Smith. But since I've moved to NYC, I've felt as though I could be doing so much more than just listening to music and people watching whenever I'm riding the subway. So I picked up The Road, the Pulitzer Prize winning novel from Cormac McCarthy. I wound up finishing the novel in a day, due partly to the larger than normal font. But that left me hungry for more, so I rushed out and picked up The Amazing Adventures Of Kavalier And Clay, which is a book I've actually been wanting to read since it hit shelves in 2000. Now I'm completely wrapped up in it. So much so that it's actually inspired me to pick up my pencil and start drawing again. How long that'll last is anyone's guess.
And, naturally, my third obsession is some new music. Actually, the song I'm posting isn't necessarily my obsession, as it's really the entire new bundle I snatched up yesterday that is. This one just happens to be a fun, summery song that just helped put me back into a good mood. It's called Good Times and it's from Brazilian Girls, an NYC-based group. Their new album, New York City dropped earlier this week.
Of course, if you like what you hear, head over to Amazon or iTunes (via the link below) to download the album.
One of my new favourite songs is I Wish I Could Keep You by New Zealand-based duo Little Pictures. It's a cute, pop-y song, plus, it makes me think about someone I know. Their debut album, owl + owl, is out now and may be ordered via Lil' Chief Records.
The musical talent runs in the family, at least in the case of The Barbers. Last month I reported on Matthew Barber, but now it's his sister's turn. Jill Barber has delivered a saccharine sweet album all about love. Where her brother puts a pop twist on folk, she takes a decidedly country route. Dare I say I may just be more impressed with her body of work...enjoy Hard Line, a track from the album For All Time. Now, mind you, this album was actually released in Canada all the way back in 2006, but it's just now finding its way outside of that market. It's a good thing.
Download the album via Amazon or iTunes (the latter via the link below)
Be on the look out this Tuesday for new artist Little Jinder's debut EP, Polyhedron. She's from, where else, Sweden, and it's very evident in her songs. Below is one of the tracks from the album, I Like It Casual
Pitchfork has just made me the happiest guy alive! They've debuted the first single, Id Engager, from Of Montreal's upcoming album Skeletal Lamping! This is something that I've been eagerly anticipating since first listening to their previous effort, the amazing Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer, just under two years ago.
A few weeks ago, I stumbled across another track from the album, Feminine Effects. While I absolutely love it, Id Engager, while kind of lacking a hook, is far more, well, engaging. It's also more along the lines of what they had to offer on Hissing Fauna..., although I've read that the rest may be more of a departure than this. If you enjoyed the previous album (most of my readers back then thought was far too funky) then you'll definitely love this single.
DOWNLOAD, courtesy of Pitchfork (Right click and 'save as...')
I strongly recommend you support this band (cause they are my favourite) by pre-ordering via Polyvinyl. It's a great deal, too. If you order the three different versions of the vinyl single in the package form, it costs you a mere $10. BUT WAIT! That's not all. The vinyl will also contain the link to download all the tracks in mp3 format. I just did my part and pre-ordered, so should you!
Johnny Flynn's debut, A Larum, hit US stores this week. The lead single, The Box, had caught my attention a while back. However, it failed to sustain it for very long before other music I was discovering back then hit my ears. It was a great song, and one that, after a few revisits, am finally beginning to truly appreciate it. And now he is heading across the states along with a favourite artist of mine, Laura Marling. I've missed her the past couple times she has come through town, but hopefully that will not be the case this time. Of course, my being there depends on if work keeps me in NYC or not, as they perform on a school night where I live.
September 13 - Allston, MA - ICC Church 15 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom 17 - Philadelphia, PA - Side Chapel @ First Unitarian Church 18 - Alexandria, VA - Birchmere 20 - Chicago, IL - The Bottom Lounge 23 - Englewood, CO - The Falcon 26 - Los Angeles, CA - The Hotel Cafe 28 - San Francisco, CA - Cafe Du Nord 30 - Portland, OR - Lola's
October 1 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern 3 - Montreal, QC - Pop Montreal Festival 4 - Toronto, ON - Rivoli
Check out the video for The Box
And for Laura Marling's Ghosts, one of my favourite songs of the year.
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristoffer Ragnstam's new album Wrong Side Of The Room drops August 19th courtesy of Bluhammock Music. If the lead single, Swing That Tambourine, is any indication, this album should be hot.
If you like what you hear and are in the NYC area, check him out on August 27th at Piano's, along with The Break And Repair Method (Who are actually really good, too).
Normally I wouldn't find the idea of an abusive relationship so fun, especially considering one of my dearest friends was in such a bind at one time; However, Florence And The Machine have made such a delectably catchy song out of a couple that beat each other up that I've been forced to make an exception. And yes, the band has stated that this isn't about domestic violence, but rather about a couple pushing each other to psychological extremes and how relationships can be completely destructive. The lyrics make it a little difficult to believe that, but you decide for yourself. Regardless of what the song is about, it's hard not to want to dance and sing along to it.
Some very sad news today - Estelle Getty has passed away. Best known for her performance as the cranky yet lovable Sophia on a total of three different (but related) sitcoms, the long running Golden Girls and two of its spin-offs, Empty Nest and the short lived Golden Palace.
Getty has been suffering from Lewy Body dementia for a long time and was forced to stop making public appearances back in 2000. What's odd is that I was just thinking about this last night, so it's an sad coincidence that it actually occurred the following day.
She touched millions of hearts and will be missed by each of them.
Because I promised you yesterday, below are the remainder of the videos I took of Santogold performing at SummerStage in Central Park yesterday. Let me apologize for all the stupid hands. The annoying people who surrounded me insisted on standing if front of me to wave their hands and seemed to follow wherever I pointed my camera.
Must like last week, I found myself back in Central Park for yet another free concert (thanks to SummerStage). Unlike last week, I actually started off in the correct line. The show was fantastic! The headliner was Santogold, but the brilliant DJ Diplo, another DJ and some rappers all performed prior to her storming the stage. Below is the first video from the concert that I've been able to upload (it's a slow process when you're internet connection isn't reliable). I was able to get all but two songs recorded, so there are a few more that I'll be posting. But, for now, below is Santogold performing Creator
The Rifles are a London-based rock group whose lead single from their soon-to-be-released sophomore effort is the stuff iTunes ads are made of. Maybe it is just me, but I Could Never Lie just makes me want to get up and dance stupidly around my room.
Like what you hear? Head on over to their MySpace page to find more songs and, if you're in the UK, tour dates (thru end of November). Be sure to head over to iTunes (via the link below) or Amazon (UK) to support the band.
A couple weeks ago I was listening to some of my favourite songs from a couple years back. This included a few tracks from Red Book, a particularly strong pop album from the Glasgow band Texas. I've been a fan since the nineties, so it got me wondering when they would be putting out a new album since a couple years had passed. I put on checking because I've been particularly lazy as of late. Imagine my delight when, a few days later, I stumbled across a familiar name on a site I visit frequently. It started bugging me, so I looked it up. Turns out it's the lead singer, Sharleen Spiteri, and her solo debut hit stores yesterday. The first single, All The Times I Cried, is indistinguishable from her work with Texas, but that isn't a bad thing by any means. She's knows what her fans like and uses it to make the transition easier. Of course, the rest of the album, Melody, isn't much different either, it just has more of a retro-pop vibe.
Visit her MySpace page for additional info. Use the iTunes links below to pick up her new album if you're in the UK.
Yesterday Summer Stage hosted a concert in Central Park with performers Julieta Venegas, Plastilina Mosh and DJ Bitman. Unfortunately for me (at least at first, Bon Jovi was also performing in the park. No, I didn't want see that band, but I ended up standing in line to see him for two hours because where I entered the line (after walking south five blocks just to get to the end of it) there was no information about who was performing, just that it was for a concert. Thankfully by the time we moved up six blocks there were people standing around directing people to the concert I was there for. Of course, that meant standing in yet another long line when I could have already been in the venue. I was pissed but quickly got over it once the show started up. DJ Bitman got the crowd warmed up. From what I heard yesterday, his style reminded me of the band Avalanche (if they were to add the occasional rap in, that is).
Bitman was followed by Plastilina Mosh and their mix of dance, rap and rock. They started off very strong and got the crowd dancing and jumping around. They hit a lull toward the latter half of the middle when they started experimenting a little, but then kicked it back into high gear as they wrapped up their set. See video below:
After a slew of ten minutes more, Julieta Venegas took the stage and had the crowd roaring. She was pretty amazing, but I'll let the video footage do the talking. Oh, and I know the video is really shaky, but keep in mind that at this point I had been standing for five or six hours and had to deal with people pushing their way through the already crammed together crowd. And it's just my digital camera, so no steady cam.
Here is Venegas performing her new song, El Presente
Venegas performing Eres Para Mi
I have several other performances from the show, check them out HERE.
Julieta Venegas will be performing at Summer Stage in Central Park today at 3 p.m. I'll be there and so should you. It's FREE, so you don't really have any excuses.
Not sure how to get there? Click HERE for directions.
**The music on this site is for evaluation purposes only and are not available to download here (use the appropriate links to legal outlets such as Amazon and iTunes). If you have an issue with a song that I have on display, please feel free to e-mail me so that I may remove it. If you are an artist and would like to have your work featured here, please contact me via e-mail**
