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Archive for the category “Sensational Songs”

14 May 2013

Dancin’ in the Streets…a quarterly mixtape

Callin’ out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer’s here and the time is right for dancin’ in the street.
Dancin’ in Chicago (dancin’ in the street)
Down in New Orleans (dancin’ in the street)
[San Francisco]*

All we need is music, sweet music,
There’ll be music everywhere

- Martha and the Vandellas

Recently, I had the good fortune to travel down to New Orleans with a couple of friends for Jazz Fest. Although there are many songs and styles more intimately connected to NoLa (“House of the Rising Sun” or even the more apropos “City of New Orleans” given my point of origin and very memorable night which I’ll reference further below), this is the one that always comes to mind first because it is the vision of the city I always had: a city pulsing with life and energy such that one was inspired to dance at any given moment, even on the city streets in the plain light of day. (Something that pleases me, given my propensity to shimmy at the slightest provocation.) Despite some intermittent rain and unseasonably chilly weather, I was pleased to find that folks were undeterred by the weather, moving with fervor and relish through muddied fields and muggy air. And the music… it poured forth from every corner as though it too could not be tempered by even the slightest of inclement skies. It was a revelation to a first time visitor, who will surely return anon.

...all the streets are a stage.

in NoLa, all the streets are a stage.

…but this is not a collection of New Orleans inspired songs or the music it nurtured and shared with the world. It serves as inspiration and catalyst for my thoughts about the year to date: a topsy-turvy and unexpected serious of fortunate and curious events. But, such is life isn’t it? And, so I share with you a collection of songs that have been the soundtrack to my trips, excursions, and wanderings for the past couple of months; an admittedly odd combination of artists to share a single “bill” yet for those that follow my musical dalliances, not totally unexpected. Whether it’s Karen O channeling Madonna’s “Like a Prayer”, Bored Nothing’s invocation of Elliott Smith, Waxahatchee’s plaintive wail, Wayne Coyne’s existential ramblings, DJ Koze and Bonobo’s entrancing groves, Kacey Musgraves and Caitlin Rose’s pleasing Americana, it all blends perfectly in my mind and consciousness. I hope it will please you too. And, help you discover something new or reconnect with an old memory or friend, as music so often does for me.

Without further ado, it’s time to drop the proverbial needle on the turntable and listen to dancin’ in the streets – a 2013 quarterly mixtape.

…as always your thoughts and comments are welcome, I like to know you are listening. I encourage you to share with friends and spread the music… because music has a right to be everywhere.

a.a.

* I love you New York but you’re bringing me down… and for my fellow New Orleans travel mates.

...won't you join me for beignet next year?

…won’t you join me for a beignet or three next year?

p.s. for the curious. . . The memorable night occurred eight years ago when Jimmy Buffett played at Wrigley Field soon after the tragic destruction of Hurricane Katrina. As an encore, he sat on the bleachers of Wrigley Field with guitar in hand and did a cover of “The City of New Orleans” to bring our thoughts and prayers to the people in New Orleans. The gesture was even more poignant because it was written by his friend and longtime Cubs fan Steve Goodman, who unfortunately passed many years before. Even for those who don’t care for Mr. Buffett, his music or the culture that surrounds him, it was a touching and moving moment. And, in the fascinating ways of the internet, it is captured below. Enjoy.

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30 Apr 2013
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Hockey Night in North America – A Musical Ode (of sorts)

. . . or How Propagandhi Helped Alleviate (Some of) the Ethical Concerns Around my love of Sports

But I guess it comes down to what kind of world you want to live in. . . Propagandhi

Along with my unabashed love of music, I also am an ardent sports fan, but it comes with many recrimination and caveats.  At their purest level, the games I follow celebrate team-building values, individual excellence, and tell an unfolding national and cultural history, drawing connections between past and present and across cultures.  How can you not love watching the kid or kids from various towns rising to the largest stage, carrying the weight and expectations of countless fans, whether a city, a state, or a country, to the pinnacle of their field?

But, the reality is unfortunately not so simple or story book.  All sporting events, whether professional or collegiate, are subject to the same capitalistic, opportunistic, exclusionary, and oppressive strains that exist throughout history and culture.  One simple example in the fantasy alluded to above is the fact that the kid or kids on the screen or in the papers are usually men.  As a society we are still amazingly behind in equality of the sexes in the sporting world (not that other industries or sectors are that much better).

But, we improve or strive to improve over time.  Yesterday, in fact, was another important chapter in the progressive evolution of sports with Jason Collins’ announcement, the first active professional athlete to come out.   It is definitely a great story and hopefully the beginning of more to come.   However, I also wonder why Jason Collins’ announcement was more widely reported than Brittney Griner’s (Baylor Grad, NCAA Champion and soon-to-be WBNA #1 draft pick) similar announcement weeks back.  I think I know the answer to that but more than anything it reveals what is true about sports and the culture and media surrounding it:  it’s a complicated area.

On the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, I am eager for weeks of playoff hockey but, as always, my excitement is tempered with concern and the question “why do I care about something so ostensibly frivolous?”   (Now don’t say that to the rabid Blackhawks fans that I’ll likely be cheering with.  But for me it’s true, and, this is coming from a boy who has cried on countless occasions when his sports teams choked.  #noshame)

What does this have to do with music?  Listen to this song by the phenomenal Canadian Punk rock band (and equality activists) Propagandhi*, “Dear Coach’s Corner”.  It is a little palliative for those of us who engage in the internal struggle of being a thoughtful and/or progressive individual and a sports fans.  We love the game(s) but cringe at the culture and circus surrounding these kids’ games**.

Off the soap box and into the frying pan,

… and go Hawks!

a.a.

* The gentlemen of Propagandhi are no strangers to politically themed or driven songs.  Check out their fantastic Less Talk More Rock or Today’s Empires Tomorrow’s Ashes.  Whether you agree with everything they fight for or not, I will say that they do manage to package their message into some powerful art with a health dose of self awareness (i.e., “…and yes I recognize the irony that the system i oppose affords be the luxury of biting the hand that feeds…” from another song with a hockey allusion).  ”I was a Pre-Teen McCarthyist” has always resonated quite a bit with me.

** No disrespect meant to professional athletes.  You get to live out the dreams of countless children and adults(-like children like myself).

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24 Apr 2013
2 Comments

Madchester Redux? The 1975’s Sex and Music for Cars

And this is how it starts… again.

After a rather extended absence, what better way to jump back into the fray than an adrenaline inducing track filled with amorous yearning that hits on every pleasure point of a stellar Indie-Pop/Rock song.

From the opening notes, “Sex” will incite even the most callous and world weary “grown-up” to eschew maturity and responsibility for a brief reverie into the joys of youthful pining, the unquenchable desire of the unattainable lover, at least according to the script cause after all “she’s got a boyfriend anyways…” The song progresses at an unrelenting pace like the beat of one’s heart in the throes of infatuation, a slave to the intoxicating power of passion, whether you are currently caught in the maelstrom or in the calm center of the eye, it is a feeling like none other. Also, it doesn’t hurt that the opening line recalls almost verbatim the opening of LCD’s Soundsystem’s “All My Friends” – a generation defining song and narrative. (And, pay attention to the video for some choice background images of great bands and artists we all love. . . or at least I think we do.)

1975 sex epHailing from the hallowed English town of Manchester (home to The Smiths, the Stone Roses, James, The Happy Mondays, aka bands I was obsessed with as an adolescent), The 1975 have an amazing ability to toe the line between a deft pop-rock sensibility (see “Sex” (above) or “Chocolate” from Music for Cars EP) and artful, emotionally packed, and layered orchestral rock pieces (see “You” and “Me” – I appreciate this amusing juxtaposition that can’t help but be intentional). Also, in keeping with the inevitable reemergence of R&B infused pop, “Head.Cars.Bending” evokes the feel of Prince track but remixed by Discovery or an M83/Hot Chip/How to Dress Well mash up. In other words, these guys have an amazing panache for running the gamut of styles and bringing them together in a crowd-pleasing package. I wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually tap into a broader audience.

So catch them now and listen to

The 1975′s Sex EP (2012)

and Music For Cars EP (2013)
the1975musicforcars

See you on the b-side,

a.a.

p.s. Thanks to Sweet the Sound who planted the seed about these guys some time back.

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27 Mar 2013

Track Stars with Devendra Banhart, Olafur Arnalds, Savages, and Marnie Stern

“track stars”… songs that stop you in your steps and demand your full attention (or songs that I am obsessed with at the outset)*

* and because I can’t always find a witty title (or at least attempt a witty title)

Old New Ways: Devendra Banhart – “Your Fine Petting Duck“

Gifted artists always manage to impress and surprise you. To me, Devendra Banhart has always been a source of pleasure and joy, exploring the curious realm of neo-folk music with a shaman-like mystical ease, characterized by lush, earthy songs and orchestration that draws inspiration from traditions across the globe. His albums are epic explorations into the fantastical and a celebration of the diversity of life yet always tinged with a hint of questioning. In a way, a Devendra Banhart record is almost an invitation to take a trip back in time. So it shouldn’t come as no surprise that his latest full length, Mala, goes back even further than is previous time travels (as if his his music was like Mork, aging in reverse). Well sort of. Mala as a whole is still simmering in my consciousness but this ditty that begins with an almost barbershop girl-group dreary dream quality has totally caught my ear. Two amazing juxtapositions are at work on this track. First the music shifts from the downtempo doo-wop to a pseudo surf rock to an odd French pop dance track, as though Serge Gainsbourg got remixed by late 80s New Order on downers. It’s at once quirky yet totally mesmerizing, at least for those, like myself, who enjoy when the bottom drops out on a song and turn itself inside out. Coupled with the dispassionate, ennui ridden narrator who implores his ex (that is longing for his return) to remember that, no matter how bad her current beau might be, he was just as if not more awful of a partner. Add to this, the almost derisive and mocking “wah wah wah” in the tracks’ mid-point and you have this odd anti-love song. I am not down on love, but there is genius in this romantic nihilism.

In a meditative way: Ólafur Arnalds – Old Skin

… to prove that I’m not totally bleak these days, here is the lead single from Icelander* Olafur Arnalds, “Old Skin” is a gorgeous rumination on what can be and the paths we choose. Like fellow countrymen Sigur Ros, Arnald’s music is delicate, ethereal, transcendental, and totally engrossing. Listen as the song builds from a pensive opening to an ever growing crescendo on the precipice of exploding.  Also, watch the video which captures that moment of total euphoria and bliss one senses when the music truly hits you. Unlike Sigur Ros, Arnalds does not sing in the choir boy falsetto of Jonsi but has a soulful strain in his sound recalling How To Dress Well with the woodsy vocals of Lost in the Trees.

*seriously if there were per capita rankings of genius musicians, I think Iceland would be ranked #1

For a little aggression and shreading: Savages and Marnie Stern

I am totally smitten with these next two tracks and with each spin the crush grows deeper. Words really get in the way of just the joyous adrenaline rush these songs provide both drawing inspiration from different strains of late 70s rock.

On “She Will”, the Savages conjure visions of post-punk heroes Joy Division and Wire but with a vocal performance reminiscent of Patti Smith, PJ Harvey, or Karen O. Yeah, I know those are really bold comparisons, but give this song a listen and see if you really disagree with me.

I am still a bit confused and bemused how no one clued me on to Marnie Stern before I came across here cleverly titled new record (The Chronicles of Marnia) on NPR’s First Listen. For those that love really excellent guitar work with insane finger picking and big hooks, Stern is your gal because she does it without sounding trite or played-out. On the lead single, “Year of the Glad“, Stern just sounds like a kid in a musical candy shop having fun making pristine guitar pop for us “kids” to dance around to with willful abandon.  Can’t wait to see her at the Brooklyn Vegan show at the Empty Bottle April 17th!  Join me if you live in Chicago.  (Also if you are a DFW fan, the title of the song some pleasant smirks.  I doubt this is an allusion to Hal Incandenza’s opening emotional break down, but who knows…)

Who needs caffeine to start your day when you can get some serious rocking out?

a.a.

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12 Feb 2013

Sophmore Sensational: Youth Lagoon & James Blake

Unequivocally two of my favorite discoveries and albums of 2011 were the English dub-step wunderkind James Blake (James Blake) and the Idaho lo-fi dream-folk of Youth Lagoon (The Year in Hibernation).  Both are back in 2013 with new tracks and forthcoming records.

yl bughouseYouth Lagoon struck first in early January with “Dropla” but is teasing us even further with another pleasant number filled with YL’s textbook muffled, echoing vocals sounding like something between an adolescent daydream and aural kaleidoscope.  But where The Year In Hibernation was an inward-looking personal exploration and recollection, the first two tracks from Wondrous Bughouse (click to pre-order) are exploding outwards into the universe for answers. Trevor’s newest single “Mute” begins with a sunshine infused sheen that explodes into a mix of aural gears and shifts that turn  from optimistic to quizzical to searching.  For a young artist who found a corner of the musical universe un- or under-explored, it is exciting to see him pushing into a new realm of experimentation.  (Something about the new songs recalls the Flaming Lips in the pre-Soft Bulletin psych/pop eccentricity.)  Also, really digging the youthful Chagall/Kandinsky looking cover art.

James Blake’s “Retrograde”: When I first heard James Blake’s debut record, I thought “what is all the fuss?”  After giving it an additional listen and hearing his beautiful intimate and shiver inducing live set at Pitchfork in 2011, I not only understood the fanfare but became a pseudo proselytizer myself.  Blake’s music was a revelation calling to mind Portishead‘s Dummy — a record that helped popularize and educate us cross-Atlantic novices on English Trip-Hop, Downtempo and Ambient music (it was our gateway).  Traversing the realm of intricate, tightly packed downtempo contemplative sounds with a soulful flair, Blake continues that tradition but breaks down the form with even more intricacy and moves between deep crooning to choir-boy falsetto; it has a bone-chilling effect on record just as in performance.  “Retrograde” the newest single is no stranger to what came before but moves closer to a more recognizable deep, sultry R&B, playing and toying with the orchestration.  At times, Blake’s voice is the charm that brings the music to life, the instruments try to keep pace with the odd and unanticipated tempo changes, but then concede and flow into their own curious adventures.  As with any dub-step track, wait for the drop and relish in the release.  Only two months until Overgrown is released.  I’ll be counting down.  Hopefully you will be too.

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11 Feb 2013
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Do you wonder about Sound and Vision? Beck does…

If there was a prize for most audacious and unpredictable musician in the field of popular music, I think Beck might clean up in this category.  Sadly awards are more often driven by record sales and industry considerations.  It is a shame, but so it goes.

In the last year, Mr. Beck has not only released his Song Reader, an album composed of sheet music for fans/musicians to perform and play with in their own way, but also curated and composed a track on a compilation devoted to Philip Glass (see Rework_Philip Glass Remixed).  Now, he is at it again this time covering and reconceptualizing the work of another great innovator and firebrand:  David Bowie.  In this 9 minute video, Beck gathers a rather diverse set of musicians (from Gospel Choir to classical string section to yoddler) to put together a rather impressive display of showmanship and spectacle.  It is definitely worth spending the time to watch Beck strutting around looking like folky Dylan but with a purple sequin jacket that recalls a mid-80s Michael Jackson.  It’s a cooky over-the-top performance all on the dime of the Lincoln Car Company and some rather nonplussed, yet hip-ly attired audience members (except for a couple of folks who are grooving from the get go, like the dude in the baby blue sports jacket).  I can’t help but also think that on top of their musical proficiency, someone from central casting came in to do the wardrobe for these musicians  because they are so precisely eclectic.

All my slightly snide comments aside, this is quite cool and really impressive.  I suggest expanding the picture to full-size to get a sense of the whole performance.

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08 Feb 2013

Soothing and Inspiring Sounds from Mali: Ballake Sissoko & “Mali Ko”

I try not to inundate folks with too much music, but I cannot help share the following gorgeous, important, and powerful pieces coming from the West African Nation of Mali.

ballake_kora_profile_2In Peace is an instrumental record from the Malian Ballake Sissoko and the French cellist Vincent Segal.  Combining sounds of traditional Malian music, classical strings and allusions of Middle Eastern and West Indian musical elements as well, this album is the perfect antidote to a stressful day or a means to unwind calmly into that good night.  Don’t delay as it is currently streaming on NPR’s First Listen for only a short time, go here and watch as the world fades away.

But before you dive in, take a second to watch and listen to this gorgeous song by Voices United for Mail, consisting of some of Mali’s most famous and important musicians, with a very powerful message, an end to the fighting and strife in Mali.  In spite of the language barrier (though you can read the English subtitles), the passion and pain these performers feel transcends in a way only music can and provides the belief (at least to this one) that a song can help to bring change, solace, and hope to even the most troubling of situations.

For more information on Voices United read below:

In response to the situation in Mali, Fatoumata Diawara has gathered over 40 of the Country’s most renowned musicians to record a video and song calling for peace. The group collectively called ‘Voices United for Mali’ includes Amadou and Mariam, Oumou Sangare, Bassekou Kouyate, Vieux Farka Toure, Djelimady Tounkara, Toumani Diabate, Khaira Arby, Kasse Mady Diabate, Baba Salah, Afel Bocoum, Tiken Jah, Amkoullel and Habib Koite amongst many others. The track is called ‘Mali-ko’ (Peace / La Paix).

(from https://soundcloud.com/world-circuit-records/fatoumata-diawara-and-the)

a.a.

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08 Feb 2013

Adrift with the Local Natives’ “You and I”

…to places I don’t know.

Every once in a while a song just stops you in your tracks. Right now, it’s the opening cut from the Local Natives’ record, Hummingbird, “You and I“.LocalNatives With a yearning falsetto invoking the vocal styling of Jim James on those early (and astoundingly gorgeous) My Morning Jacket records, the L.A. group has ensnared my ears and thoughts. A lush steady crescendo envelopes you with a wave of quizzical questioning about what has been and what has been lost and the pervading sense of absence and the existential anguish that accompanies the missing. Despite the misery of the song’s narrative, there is a musical euphoria that embraces and celebrates the lover’s suffering. What a fitting track to welcome the oncoming celebration of the (lonely) hearts club.

Also, see if you notice the subtle similarity to this Depeche Mode song.

As for the entirety of Hummingbird, this jury (of one) is still out, but I will say there are some really gorgeous moments within upon first listen. If the opening number intrigues you, perhaps you can listen to Hummingbird and advocate on its behalf. I will say I detect not so subtle undertones of Fleet Foxes with passing evocations of the symphonic-like pieces of Death Cab For Cutie‘s Transatlanticism and little hints of the Aracade Fire’s “Neighborhood #2″ on a couple of tracks, which as far as comparisons go means this will likely be a very popular record.

sink into this track as you wind down from the week’s labour,

a.a.

For more on the Local Natives go here: http://www.thelocalnatives.com/

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04 Feb 2013
1 Comment

unknown mortal orchestra goes R&B (whilst I dream of cheese)

Last night, I had a rather strange, mundane dream. Unlike traditional narratives, it unfolded backwards, or, at least in the logic of most dreams, I worked to unravel the beginning from the end.  I found myself in front of my refrigerator (old school kind, not the modern fancy ones) with a bag of groceries. I started unpacking them and found myself setting out blocks of cheese in all varieties from your simple sharp cheddar to Gouda to a rather stinky Roquefort (I do prefer this kind). None of this is ostensibly disalarming until the moment I realize that I’ve purchased an unhealthy amount of cheese. But wait, I already had a rather healthy drawer of said cheese at the ready. I kept wondering what possessed, inspired, or led me to stockpile this much dairy in my icebox? Was there some sale? Did I get hoodwinked or enchanted by a clever salesperson? I imagined various scenarios wherein the large quantities of sundry fromage might make any logical sense.

A Mac ‘n Cheese potluck?

A Dairyland-themed cocktail party that I couldn’t recall?

A mule in an underground resale market of high-end cheese?

None of these struck a chord. Why had I been so reckless, both fiscally (e.g., it couldn’t have been a cheap purchase) and physically (e.g., eating that much cheese can’t be good for you)? After some further but unfruitful dream deliberation, I realized I was mostly worried I wouldn’t be able to consume all the cheese before it went bad. I then proceeded to another unremembered dream.

What does it all mean?

….So good at being in trouble, so bad at being in love. unknown-mortal-orchestra

Okay, so what do dreams of excessive quantities of cheese and Unknown Mortal Orchestra have in common? On its face, very little. But, on second thought, the first single from UMO’s forthcoming album II is a surreal dream of the everyday variety that lulls one into otherworldly thoughts. With little background knowledge of UMO, I’ve always appreciated their name and aesthetic, it feels something out of an Italian Futurist imagination. However, on “So Good At Being in Trouble” they are decidedly backwards looking and I’m totally on board.  (The promo shots also look like they have joined the Polyphonic Spree or are auditioning to be jawas.) Let the afternoon slip into the evening on this cool number below.


For more on Unknown Mortal Orchetra’s II, go to Jagjaguawr’s website here.

Back tomorrow. Perhaps I’ll unravel the cheese conundrum in the interim.

a.a.

a.a.’s Note:  I do not in fact have that much cheese in my refrigerator.  But I did check first thing in the a.m. just to be certain. 

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14 Jan 2013
4 Comments

Psychedelic Sunflowers For Your Hair: Foxygen’s “San Francisco”

Last week, I included the twenty something bi-coastal duo Foxygen, on my list of things I am excited about in 2013  because I anticipate big things from these guys. Why? Well, aside from being brilliantly creative psychedelic rock provocateurs, they have a number of things that will make old school rock aficionados and the art school kids happy. First, the lead singer’s vocals evoke a late 60s era Mick Jagger, the far more melodic and ethereal Jagger before he got his rocks off with the sultry blues of Exile and beyond (admittedly, not my favorite Stones record; anathema, I know, knives down, please). But, as with Mick, the seeds of the more soulful sensuous tones manifest themselves subtly in moments throughout. Second, their retro/paisley psychedelic rock quality feels perfectly acclimated for a culture that relishes the halcyon ideals and/or the kitsch-y accoutrements of the past: the art school set and/or the so-called “hipsters”*. Other classic rock comparisons, I’ve heard include the Kinks, which I can hear, but I tend to think more of Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd (i.e., Pipers at the Gates of Dawn). I also hear a good deal of the more languid, pensive tracks and the dada-like lyricism of Pavement (see “Range Life” or “Grave Architecture”, the pre-polish Pavement) or the curiously perfect pop meets avant-art rock of MGMT. In other words, they are working with a rather clever palette of sounds that should appeal to a broad swath of listeners.

foxygenAt the end of the month, Foxygen will release We are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic (yup, great title!) on Jagjaguwar (same label as Bon Iver, Sharon Van Etten, Okkervil River, Taken by Trees). In anticipation, they’ve dropped another whimsical piece of pop for our ears. Upon first listen, I was already swaying with joy perhaps because of the song’s title, “San Francisco”, a city that evokes many fond memories (and possibly future adventures, a line that brings much displeasure to my Chicago friends). Referent aside, it is a gorgeous dreamy reverie replete with a comical little internal monologue or duet between oneself or lovers chiming “I left my love in San Francisco”/”I left my love in a field” and a diffident female vocal retorting “That’s okay I was bored anyways”/”That’s okay I was bored in L.A.”, a great battle between emotional sincerity and disinterested pragmatism.

However, you spin, rationalize, or conceptualize it (I tend to over think these things), it’s just gorgeous. So listen to “San Francisco” below and get ready for more great things from these kids.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/KtdWGGpvY1s&#8221; frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>

Pre-Order We are the 2st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic here.

Check them out on tour; dates here.

a.a.

* a term I think which in our culture is an effective verbal null set but in this instance means people with edgy, on the “garde”, and odd music taste.

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