The Most Serene Republic of Venice. Oh, Venice, what a beautiful place that must be. Sadly, I can't say I have ever visited any such republics which are the most serene. Now, I can't speak for a certain collection of Canadians, but I certainly have kept my eye on The Most Serene Republic, who cropped up out of Ontario to start a real storm in the artistic music scene.
The Ontario art students have been making their way and having loads of fun lately. And now, they present the fruits of their labours. The Most Serene Republic participated in a film titled Green Door, which was premiered last December at the Toronto Film Festival. They covered the song by the same title, "Green Door" - originally by Jim Lowe - which was featured in the film. Now, The Most Serene Republic is featuring "Green Door" for its listeners online! As if new tunes (or cover songs, for that matter) weren't exciting enough, the word on the grapevine is that The Most Serene Republic is entering the studio in the extremely near future. We can expect some newer tunes very soon, along with many more exciting announcements.
So where to begin? You go read a little bit about the film Green Door, certainly. Or you can wander over The Most Serene Republic's Myspace, where you can listen to their latest song - a cover of Jim Lowe - "Green Door," and be thoroughly amused; you can also catch with of TMSR's B-Side, "Pillow Persecussion," which is a very abstract instrumental. Drop by, say hi!
Oh, and of course, happy Halloween from Voilà!
But with the malfunctioning computer, don't expect me to be too generous on the candy giving.
Computers. Oh, they're such silly inventions. You can take online classes at the colleges of your choice without ever setting foot on the university grounds, you can treat yourself to visuals, stories, and images from far and wide across the entire planet without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. And heck, you could even start a music blog called Voilà! like me. But unfortunately, when those computers of ours don't work, our lives are thrown completely into disarray. What ever shall we do?!
Well, I know what I shall do. My computer is presently broken at the moment... for whatever reason, reasons of which are unknown to me. I will try to update as frequently as possible, but if you don't see any earth-shattering articles, it's because I simply cannot sit down to write them anywhere comfortable. No Band of the Week this week... but keep your hopes up for next Monday!
But let's see... where's a good place to go when you need a quick fix for music at the public library. Well, as it turns out, Goot has released a second Myspace with some of his neatest cover songs featured! How can you not resist that cover of "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys? Wander over to Goot's coversite right now!
Oh those crazy Canadian characters in the curious collective, Ohbijou... (Excuse me, I'm fairly sick with a cold at the moment, and really wanted to say a long sentence with lots of C-words.). Those folks are able to evoke some intriguing emotions with their eclectic compositions; their tasty, slowly simmered sound of pop-meets-folk presents a wonderful image and some unprecedented music.
But who is Ohbijou, you may ask? Sure, they're from Toronto, and that's fine and dandy, but WHO are they? Who are the band members? What is their day to day life like? If you're interested into taking a peek into the Ohbijou's life, then feel free to gander on. The folks of Ohbijou have released their latest video, entitled Under Our Roof, which documents the band coming together and hanging out. It features Ohbijou's DIY house-party house in Bellwoods, and the parting of Andrew Kinoshita.
And of course, if you're just interested in the music, you'll catch a glimpse at a sexy live performance of Ohbijou, with the crisp, wonderful sound you'd expect! You can catch Ohbijou's latest video-film, Under Our Roof, on Ohbijou's website (click on videos - you'll see it). If you'd rather have some tunes to sing along to though, feel free to wander to Ohbijou's Myspace, or read more about when Voilà! featured them.
Við spilum endalaust. You heard me! Við spilum endalaust. Let's say it together, shall we? Við spilum endalaust.
Unless you're in the know of post-modern rock, or you happen to live on a fairly small country out in the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America, you're probably asking, "What in the world is við spilum endalaust."
Við spilum endalaust happens to be Icelandic. It translates to, 'We play endlessly.' But of course, I would never have known that unless I relished over the recent release of Icelandic ensemble of Sigur Rós, in their latest album titled, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, or for us Anglophones, With Buzzing In Our Ears We Play Endlessly. They even have a song by the same phrase, "Við Spilum Endalaust."
But Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust debuted back in summer. Why pray tell do I mention it now? As it happens, Sigur Rós is notoriously for being followed around by cameras, which are in the hands of unprecedentedly talented cinematographers. If you saw the documentary of the band's tour around Iceland, humbly titled Heima, you'd know what I'm talking about. Well as it turns out, Sigur Rós has released a brand new trailer for their brand new film, Við Spilum Endalaust, which will apparently be available on their website soon!
As with any decent trailer, it does two things. First, it frustrates the viewer. WHAT IS THIS FILM ABOUT?! Okay, flowers. Definitely flowers. There was Sigur Rós performing... then... they're huddled up for some reason... more flowers... boat driving... more flowers... hugs... Jónsi Birgisson sitting at a desk...
Secondly, it intrigues! Heima was released over a year ago, but it stands as one of the best documentaries ever made (so says the voters at IMDB, along with myself). The next film released by the Icelandic collective will no doubt be another gorgeous film indeed.
So check out the trailer for the latest Sigur Rós film, Við Spilum Endalaust, and make your own assumptions. But since this is only just a tease, wander over to Sigur Rós' Myspace, and prepare to be greeted by unprecedented sonic textures. For extra credit, find yourself a copy of Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust at your local music store or digital outlet. And for extra-extra credit, grab your very own edition of the Sigur Rós documentary, Heima.
As our young protagonist flips through his bulletins, sipping mindlessly through his cup of tea, he speaks aloud to himself... "Let's see, so what happened today? Hey, Catherine wrote her third survey. That's cool. That Dir en grey contest for their new album is almost through. I guess that's interesting. Oh great, another chain letter. *yawn* What else? PlayRadioPlay! is talking about the death of TRL? Eh, I don't watch MTV anyway... Let's see... The Scene Aesthetic releases new song..."
At this point is probably where our protagonist, and possibly you, would have spit his tea in shock. Well, if this were that sort of cliché type of thing. But this is unbelievable news indeed; certainly news worthy of beverage spitting! The Scene Aesthetic?! New song?! Is it possible?! Apparently!
If you've been out of the loop, The Scene Aesthetic - Seattle duo of Andrew de Torres (also seen in Danger Radio) and Eric Bowley - is a wonderful alternative-folk-acoustic-pop-duo thing who have been making glorious acoustic sounds for several years now. But Mr. Eric Bowley announced some big news last year: he's going to Argentina! Serving the heavenly lord, Eric Bowley went to South America to focus his life with some missionary work. But there are no break ups here! The two boys promised to come back with a vengeance as soon as Eric returned to the states.
Well, as it happens, Eric Bowley is prepping to return! He's due back in December, when a grandiose party will certainly be thrown. But how better for fans and listeners everywhere to also join in on the celebration than with new tunes? After almost a solid year of hiatus, The Scene Aesthetic has released their first brand new song! "Red Rover" is the name, quiet reflection is the game. In true Scene Aesthetic style, with just enough emotional embracement, subtle tones, catchy lyrics, and just a lovely song, The Scene Aesthetic reminds their dedicated fans, their hiatus was not the end; Eric's return shall mark a new beginning!
Man, looking at all those pictures on TSA's Myspace is a trip down memory lane... old fans know what I'm talking about. So what can you do, be you an old friend or burgeoning listener? Well, if you live up in Washington, don't plan anything after Christmas and before New Years, because The Scene Aesthetic is going all out for Eric's return-home party-concert! Of course, "The Alamo Is No Place For Dancing," but if you live in Plano, Texas, wander to the Plano Center on December 28th when The Scene Aesthetic will be showing love to their massive Texan following. If you're unlucky, and not living around the Puget Sound or the DF-Dub, rush on over to The Scene Aesthetic's Myspace, and listen to their brand new track, "Red Rover," right now!
Fanfarlo Sounds Like: Indie-Pop Drinking Buddies:Noah and the Whale, Tap Tap, Brown Recluse Sings
Synopsis: Carbonated quirk. Please shake contents for best effect.
Makes You Want To...: Dance ridiculously; Sing; Make a mixtape. [Myspace]
One week, one band. You know the drill. This week, the featured artist is Fanfarlo
When you're feeling up - happy - celebratory - you just want to... well... celebrate. You want to dance, you want to sing, and you want to prove to everyone who may see you, as awkward as that could potentially be, just how happy you really are. "Hey, world! That's right, me! The lunatic who's hollerin'! I am happy. I am happy and I know it, dammit. I'm clapping my hands!" Or something to that effect.
But when you're sad - when we get sad - logic may tend to go out the window. Some of us cry our little eyes out. Some of us write in countless journals/blogs, spilling our emotions into little symbols, which form alphabets, which for words, which form languages. And some of us turn off all the light, and lay in bed for hours listening to The Cure (that's when it's a very sad day. Preferably also rainy). I am confronted with such a scenario. With school-related stress mounting, stress from transferring mounting, life and other objects cursing me on a regular basis, and just my general unhappiness encroaching, I was in a bad mood.
Sad is it may be, there must be some sort of cure. There must be an outlet. Music has been the outlet for innumerable poets, and certainly the ample amount of music listeners who share a similar fate. I remember the days long past (that would be high school, for those too young - it'll make sense in 2-4 years) when I would become a recluse, entering the hovel of my room, and passing the day with Swiss Army Romance, "You're So Last Summer," and Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (I did sink that low, yes), not to mention a healthy dose of snack foods.
But lately, I've been trying a new theory, as opposed to begging to the broken hearted Daphne Loves Derby, or something of the like. Instead, I've taken the opposite approach: when I'm feeling down, listen to cheery music, and force myself out of my haze. Indie-pop has been a wonderful outlet, and since there's no lack in the genre, you have plenty to choose from. So, from one sad-now-cheered-up heart to thou who may be in need, or you average individual who's here for a neat new band, may I introduce, Fanfarlo.
I did say Fanfarlo. I am talking about the sextet ensemble from London. I am talking about the bubbly band, and the makers of eclectic, quirky songs. Fanfarlo is all about laying down some lovely tunes with their diverse musical line-up. Featuring everything from banjos, to saws, to accordions, and mandolins, the combination brings an even more wonderful sound to the musical table. Their songs are chipper and lively, and bring out the grand talents of the smiling faces and novel spirits in the band.
As it turns out, my weekend ended on a happy note. We'll blame it on the music, shall we? Fanfarlo has been playing music since 2006, and in the passing of the years, has slowly built up their collection of music through a healthy amount of singles. If you wander over to their website, you can snag some of these nifty singles for your anxious hands and eager ears. Their mixture of instruments of all shapes and sizes, their novel poetry, and their honest intrigue will be drawing you in like a magnet if you give them the opportunity. And you will not be disappointed.
Presently, Fanfarlo is packing their bags, for they are prepped and excited for their trip to North America, where they have a show lined up in New York City. But if you can't catch them while they're stateside, don't fret! They have a nifty live performance via The Black Cab Sessions! They have plenty of music videos as well, all of which can be found on their ever ubiquitous Myspace. Listen in - don't miss out - turn those frowns upside down, and of course, have a great week, reader.
The presidential election is neigh! Oh no, oh my! The economy is in shambles! Oh no, oh my! There are lions, tigers, AND bears located in your local zoo. Oh no, oh my! Oh No! Oh My! is in Europe. Oh No!? Oh My!?
Indeed, the Texan indie pop outfit known for their cunning use of mid-sentence exclamations and excellent music has crossed the pond, and is wandering around with the Europeans until Thanksgiving. For those lucky European readers, you'll definitely want to catch Oh No! Oh My! while they're around, because they certainly know how to throw a party.
I'll let the band say the rest:
"I'm sorry Otherpersonnotcurrentlylocatedineurope, we're in the midst of a love affair with the Europeans.... But hey, I've got something to say to everybody here. We have new music/songs. They are going to be released on iTunes and things of that nature on October 21st, collectively known as "Dmitrij Dmitrij". Tell your friends."
You better believe it! The long awaited - and much gossiped about - new album by Oh No! Oh My!, enigmatically named Dmitrij Dmitrij, now officially has a due date with no association avec Last.FM. So gird your loins, as they might - but probably wouldn't - say in England, and get ready for the release of Oh No! Oh My!'s latest, Dmitrij Dmitrij. And don't forget to drop by their Myspace for some neat songs, and those lovely European tour dates.
We love quirky at Voilà!. Weird, different, intriguing: these are all adjectives that hold a lot of meaning here. We love something novel, and something different, and that's why we're more than happy to present the latest and greatest.
But now, as it seems, some of this tasty new is being presented! You may remember the feature article at the beginning of the year in January, that showcased the glorious experimental/electronic talents of Uzi & Ari. Well, almost an entire year later, they've finished and are now releasing their brand new album, Headworms. Promising some great grooves, good singing, and wonderful rhythms, you can't exactly go wrong as far as new albums go.
You can snag Uzi & Ari's third LP, Headworms, wherever you can find it! Digitally, it's definitely available via online stores that share the names of "i" and "Tunes," as well as places called E-Music, where I've gotten several a song from myself. If you can't find it at your local retailer, ask them to order it! They probably will! And if all else fails, feel free to drop by Uzi & Ari's Myspace to snag yourself a copy of Headworms while they're still fresh, toasted, and warm!
Mount Righteous Sounds Like: Indie-Pop Drinking Buddies:I'm From Barcelona, Architecture In Helsinki, The Polyphonics Spree.
Synopsis: Something completely different.
Makes You Want To...: Clap your hands and say yeah!; Start a parade; Join a marching band. [Myspace]
One week, one band. You know the drill. This week, the featured artist is Mount Righteous.
Everything's bigger in Texas. We all know it, and Texans like myself know how true the stereotype is. 'Cause we live big. We live bold. We're Texans, boy howdy, and we're going to make sure everyone in the room/state/country/continent/world is entirely aware. Texas is a clashing state, one of intense conservative tendency, with ranchers out in the country still tending to their herds of longhorns, mashed up against some intense, wild liberalism in the big cities. If you were in Dallas during the Obama rally, you'd be hard pressed to realize this is actually a predominately Republican town. And for a state that doesn't support gay rights, there certainly are a lot of gay folks.
But issues aside, musically, Texas is a wonderful place to be. Yeah, so Mike Jones and Paul Wall have graced the rap business with their "Third Coast" whatnot. But let's look beyond that. There's a healthy dose of excellent musicians making their way in the music scene, including Eisley, The Rocket Summer, and PlayRadioPlay!. J Versus K rocks away in the Arlington, Explosions In The Sky down in Austin, The Paper Chase in Dallas... the list goes on. We - Texas - are not just about making good music. We're about making GREAT music. Which brings me to today's band of the week...
Case in point: Mount Righteous. Mount Righteous can be found in Grapevine, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It certainly isn't a mountain though; Mount Righteous is one of the niftiest, oddest, yet wonderful, eclectically mixed bands you can find these days. A band of 11 friends with no electrical instruments, these folks formed up together to bring you cheery sing-a-longs with a quirky, invigorating indie-pop twist. Who is Mount Righteous? Imagine if The Polyphonics Spree, I'm From Barcelona, and Architecture In Helsinki got into a car wreck. This combination would no doubt give you something like Mount Righteous.
In honour of the quirky, fun-loving songs sung by the 29-monster band I'm From Barcelona, Mount Righteous is rampant parade of happiness and joy. With no electric instruments, these folks are more like a marching band than a rock band. But playing lively, upbeat, vibrant songs filled with love, togetherness (and a healthy dose of fun), Mount Righteous makes your clap your hands and sing along almost instinctively. Their debut album, When The Music Starts, oozes smiles and jubilance like a frothy, well shaken soft drink. And the sweet sounds to reach your ears are every bit as sweet, with a sincere promise.
As for the ladies and gentlemen of Mount Righteous, they are wandering the Metroplex, slowly building quite a hefty following of fans, and playing live all around. They'll even be at the State Fair in Dallas to finish off the week! Though I hear their live shows are one of a kind, you can get a glimpse of the joyous energy Mount Righteous brings on their debut LP, When The Music Starts, available right now on! Of course, of course, that album is available on the Myspace they obviously have, but Mount Righteous also has a website! Visit them, say hello, and maybe do some dancing! It'll be worth it, I assure you.
Now that we're all autumnal, dawning our sweaters and scarves, leaves falling calmly to the ground, we don't have to mope! We can celebrate, and there's no better way to do that than to visit Mount Righteous. They're certainly one of the best discoveries of 2008. Have a wonderful week, reader, and have fun!
Who is Obadiah Parker? Oddly enough, Obadiah Parker is a band, not a person. And oddly enough, the frontman, nor any of the former members, are actually named Obadiah, Parker, or any combination of the two first names. Prior to now, Obadiah Parker was rolling as a trio of wonderful musicians making some home grown, beautiful folk songs, with some of the most ASTOUNDING cover songs I have ever heard (everything from Radiohead to Björk). They got their first bout of success by their amazing cover of "Hey Ya" by Outkast, and went on to release their debut EP, along with an amazing live album.
Since the days of live albums and live shows, Obadiah Parker has slimmed down in members. Frontman Mat Weddle's former trio is now a solo act, holding the same timeless name. And he's not about to give up, and is ready to start the long, ardurous journey of producing Obadiah Parker's first original LP. But let's face reality here, it's not easy to professionally record material. It takes a lot of money, emphasis on the "a lot" part. $3,500 worth.
So, how does an independent band from Arizona - a solo act, none the less - raise such an insurmountable amount of currency? Mat Weddle's theory is through fan interactivity! As such, he is starting The Elihu Project. Despite the quirky name, this is how it breaks down: to join The Elihu Project, all you need is to do is pay/donate a single contribution of $10. What does the price of about eight Vitamin Waters or two Starbucks and a coffee cake afford you? With this contribution, you are now subscribed to The Elihu Project, which offers subscribers exclusive video, music, and oodles of other sorts of content, following Obadiah Parker's exploits throughout the process of writing, recording, and producing their first full length LP.
How cool is this, you may be asking? Even if you aren't questioning, let me make you aware, this is probably one of the sweetest things you can do with ten dollars if you're a real music lover. First off, you're directly supporting independent music, offering them handy dandy monetary value to get an awesome album made. Then, you get exclusive content folks may never see! We're talking concepts of songs, demos, and a sneak peak at everything that's going to be on the Obadiah Parker LP. If nothing else, this will be one of the neatest documentary processes ever. Sure, you might have seen Stars' Making of Heart, which came with their album In Our Bedrooms After The War. Maybe you saw the DVD documentary recorded for Eisley's Combinations. But with The Elihu Project, you get to watch an extensive, step by step process of how creating a work of musical art is really like. No fast forwards, no complex time elapsing; just some fresh off the grill creativity!
So where to sign up? Weave through that wallet, scour those purses, and if you're hard up for cash like me, check between the couch cushions. Get $10, and run over to obadiahparker.com to sign up for The Elihu Project right away. If you're still skeptical, want a more introspective perspective, or just want to check out Mat Weddle's INTENSE beard which is rumoured to intimidate grizzlies, watch the video below. If you're feeling social, don't forget to drop by Obadiah Parker's Myspace, and say hello!
I just realized a week or so ago... apparently Voilà! is a year old! I started this blog on September 31st of last year. Not too bad, eh? I didn't really expect this to last too long. But since beginning, Voilà! has actually begun into a sexy, sweet, streamlined machine that has been bringing some great and entertaining blabbery about music. I love the music I listen to, and if I wasn't writing here, I'd still be scrummaging around the interblag for wonderful bands. Why would I not want to share some great tunes, eh? This was all started with a couple friends, Ara, Marie, and ex-writer Jamie. Now we have a writer (Jeanette), a saxophonist (Taylor), a drummer (Ezra), and a singer-songwriter (Cullen)! I'd suppose you would call that a growth spurt.
There's something else we have in plentiful surplus. And that would be you! There have been readers! We have somewhere around 500 of you lovely folks gracing our humble abode with your wonderful presence every week, and we're glad to have you! 190 some odd posts later, three or four feature segments, and many a band of the week later, here we are one year under our belt. Hopefully you enjoy the ramblings we put on here.
On another Voilà! related note, let me mention how Voilà! could grow just a little more. Basically, Voilà! is trying to gather as many folks out there who are willing to write about music. Any ol' person will do, and there are no requirements for being a writer (except for having a Blogger account and an interest in music). We want you to join the crew! The more the merrier!
If you've ever been interested in writing for a music blog, or can't think about anything but music every day, feel free to leave a comment or email me (Chris) [chris.voilamusic@gmail.com], and we can get you hooked up on the Voilà! writing squad. There's absolutely no commitment on how often you write (though it'd be nice if it were frequent), or how well you write (though fairly good grammar is appreciated!). And if you're a writer looking for some neat job experience, this is perfect.
If you want to hear a somewhat-official way of how this site works, go over here.
If you'd rather just write, email me! But if you don't mind, those wanting to join might want to take a quick gander at some of the rules that that apply to writing. And I suppose if you're really curious, you could see who's already writing for Voilà!. And as always, suggestions are always welcome if you think you know the next band of the week that I haven't noticed yet.
Today's photo is brought to you by Rachel Lane, DFW local, photographer, and a person who is significantly cooler than I am. Peace, folks.
Well, I'll answer one of the questions. Mount Righteous is in Grapevine, Texas, over in my area of the country, North Texas. But let's build some suspense, shall we? Let us keep the mystery, and let it evolve. Let's hold our breath and wait for something incredible to hit our ears. I think that's a truly invigorating activity.
Bah, but waiting is boring, eh? If you're bragging about a new, tasty ice cream in the middle, why not give everyone a tiny taste to keep them drooling for weeks on end? If you're introducing a brand spankin' new band with unbelievable talent in the middle of autumn, why not endow listeners with a tiny treat, to keep them guessing? Instead of offering you real material, how about a nifty Mates of State cover via 3/11ths of the band.
Priscilla Ahn Sounds Like: Singer-Songwriter / Pop / Folk Drinking Buddies:Meiko, Ingrid Michaelson, Brandi Carlile
Synopsis: A quiet and humble voice that bolsters outstanding sound.
Makes You Want To...: Dream; Sing-A-Long; Dance with kids. [Myspace]
One week, one band. You know the drill. This week, the featured artist is Priscilla Ahn.
"There is a city by the sea... And as it tells its sorry tale in harrowing detail, it's hollowness will haunt you. Its streets and boulevards, orphans and oligarchs... And here's a plaintive melody - a truncated symphony - an ocean's garbled vomit on the shores....
O, what a rush of ripe élan! Languor on divans, dalliant and dainty! But oh, the smell of burnt cocaine, the dolor and decay, it only makes me cranky. O, great calamity, ditch of inequity and tears. How I abhor this place, its sweet and bitter taste has left me wretched, wretching on all fours. Los Angeles, I'm yours."
I'm no poet, but Mr. Meloy of The Decemberists has his way with words. "Is it the city of angels or demons," I - along with Ben Gibbard - have pondered. But for all my musings, I can never say I've collapsed into the somewhat grizzly, filthy, greedy, but loving arms of Los Angeles. The city definitely has a reputation, extending from Hollywood into the rip-roarin' streets and the local music scene. Voilà! even just mentioned The Muslims, who rock out in the wild streets as if the town were there own. L.A. is a town of style and reputation. This is the city of clubbers, and gangsters, and aristocrats, and actors, and parties, and earthquakes. This is no place for quiet souls or heartfelt mysteries.
But do you hear that? That quiet strumming of a guitar - those sweet harmonies like candy, and those soothing melodies like meditation - that wholesome, soulful rhythm that's as smooth as butter. It's so plain, yet is somehow addicting. How naive... How quaint... How passé! Yet this young girl sings so well, so passionately, so honestly, and so lovely, that even in this town of Hollywood Boulevards and Rodeo Drives, she's so at home, it's as if she could own the whole town.
Who might this songwriter of such beautiful songs be, but the splendid talents and wonderful persona that is Priscilla Ahn. Former Pennsylvania native, now denizen of Los Angeles, we take note of a pop artist who is quickly making a name for herself. Similar to The Muslims, Priscilla takes pop music and removes all the additives and preservatives that the mainstream assails nationally credited music with. Priscilla Ahn's poignant sound is like homemade bread: it's infinitely more enjoyable than something that's mass produced and ladened with more chemicals than you can keep track of. This is pop music as it should be: fresh, lively, jubilant, natural, honest, and most importantly, humble.
But I said L.A. was a city of reputations. So who might Priscilla Ahn represent? Does she represent the surfers, or the workers, or the hill and valley? No, none of those. Priscilla Ahn is the everyman - err... everywoman, you get the picture - of Los Angeles. She's the quiet girl, not dying for the glitz, glamour, and popularity. She's the shy girl on the other side of the room, during the humid party, minding her own, dodging the knife-like name drops and tabloid gossip circulating the room.
What the hell does that all mean? In lamest terms, Priscilla makes some simple, humble songs, without the pretense. Creative, but not heavy; deep, but not overemotional; unique, but not ostentatious. Her sweet songs are the perfect balance, offering nice stories that play out like lullabies. She shines like a diamond against the concrete and billboards constructed around her in the busy city where "the freeway's always creeping, even when the population's sleeping."
Priscilla Ahn finds her local talents showcased at the L.A. venue Hotel Cafe. To be true, the Hotel Cafe Tour 2008 has been in full swing for awhile now, with Priscilla livening up the lineup, along with friends Meiko, Ingrid Michaelson, and Thao Nguyen, among many more. Of course, Ms. Ahn has herself a Myspace, but there's so much more! There's her website, where she keeps a little blog. Then there's this silly little video. And then there her performance for La Blogotheque, which is some of the best cinematography I've seen in AGES. Not to mention the glorious performances.
She has an independently released EP, as well as her wonderful debut album, A Good Day, put out by Blue Note Records. But the simple fact is, Priscilla Ahn has won over my heart as one of the best artists I've discovered all year, showing that simplicity can go a long way. If you'd excuse me, I'll be listening obsessively to "Living In A Tree" and "Red Cape," like I've been doing all month long... well... okay, after "Leave The Light On Is Over." Have a great week reader.
Since this is impromptu video week, I suppose I should bring it to a close with something theatrical and dramatic. Now, normally I shy away from Pitchfork. Maybe it's the sense of pompous prestige that comes along with the site, or maybe I just like rummaging around Myspace more for weird bands, but if I had the choice of going to five websites in one day, Pitchfork probably wouldn't be one of them. But let's face it, scrummaging can only get one so far, and Pitchfork has some deep pockets with enough money to really get some stories you can't see anywhere. They have the influence to grab some wonderful bands, and some "Major Label Debuts." Wait, I mean some "Fire Eye'd Boys." Wait, what I'm trying to say is they're "Superconnected" enough to...
Okay, okay, I'll own up. I can listen to Broken Social Scene all the live long day. But only through Pitchfork could I see such gorgeous live performances of them. The Canadian supergroup graced the Pitchfork cameras with their presence in Juan's Basement, and broke down some grooves with performances of "Stars & Sons," as well as what is apparently the original jam that inspired "Church Under The Stairs" on Brendan Canning's latest release, Something For All Of Us. There was also that "Untitled Jam 2," and that baby of a song is growing fast.
I'll only say it once in a blue moon, so get ready: Drop by Pitchfork TV to catch some great performances by not only Broken Social Scene, but M83, The Walkmen, and a few more as well. Blow the videos below up to full screen; you won't be disappointed. Also, feel very free to wander over to Arts & Crafts; maybe snag yourself a copy of Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning, Something For All Of Us. Or get excited for the new Los Campesinos! album dropping before election day. Or, you can go old school, and drop by Broken Social Scene's Myspace and say hello!
Who knows how these sort of things slip past me. But apparently Thao Nguyen and those Get Down Stay Downs were filming a video with Woxy Radio. Now, I can't appropriate an exact place on Woxy - I'm simply not that cool and/or had no idea when/if they even posted this on their website. But the important thing is the nifty live performance of "Beat (Health, Life, and Fire)," right? Right!
Your musical assignments for the day: watch the nifty live performance, drop by Woxy and listen to their sweet tunes, and then mosey on over to Thao with The Get Down Stay Down's Myspace and say hello.
For extra credit, catch Thao and the boys on their latest tour, The Hotel Cafe 2008 tour, with other folks (including Ingrid Michaelson, Meiko, and many more) in a town near you. Sadly, Thao won't be gracing the Lone Star State with her eclectic presence, but Priscilla Ahn will be in Dallas on the same tour. A fair trade... for now.
Oh Facebook. Another silly website for us young, hip, trendy, socially inclined folks to waste away our lives on. Facebook may have angered many a user with its recent switch up of design/format, but those loyal (that's a number in the millions) brave the digital realms of new and dangerous features (including translations into foreign languages... like Pirate English). One tried and true feature is that of groups, and one tried and true group which has been around for a good year or two is the Apple Students group. Not only do they feature some neat deals on Apple hardware for registered college students, but they have a tradition.
Every year, as the school year begins, Apple offers up a nifty selection of the "best new music" in a big bundle for group members. Now, last year was when Apple set up this ritual, and iTunes offered up a PHENOMENAL playlist! Nada Surf, She Wants Revenge, Taking Back Sunday, Girls In Hawaii, Amusement Parks on Fire - I think they had the Arctic Monkeys, but my memory fails me - Asobi Seksu, Brandi Carlile, Camille, Cartel, Ima Robot... There were many more, but let's face it, they did a smashing job.
Well, apparently the interns who helped the suit-&-ties with music selection were replaced, because frankly, that excellent music taste has gone out the window. If this is the best representation of rising artists and good new music, well, it'd be better off for some folks to stop listening. Don't get me wrong, there are a few good songs. I mean, I have to praise their selection of "Broken Heart" by Motion City Soundtrack. "Black & Gold" by Sam Sparro is dancey, very fun, and a gem on the playlist. Nelo was alright, Manic Street Procession always perks my ears, Brazilian Girls are quite funky and quirky (like an English speaking version of Lucy and the Popsonics), and The Gabe Dixon Band sounds eerily like a southern version of Ben Folds Five or something.
But this is a 24 song playlist - which is longer than many an LP these days - and beyond the aforementioned, iTunes' attempt to woo new listeners is a pretty drab attempt. There should be a rule with leading a playlist with a song by Finger Eleven, soaked thoroughly in bubblegum pop. Country can be a catchy genre at times, but "She Left Me For Jesus" by Hayes Carll is definitely not a good representation. Marié Digby's regurgitated pop is about as spicy as recycled plastic, while Your Vegas has apparently been listening to Hot Fuss on repeat. Charlotte Sometimes? Neil Halstead? Black Tide? The Bridges? You can do better, Apple. Tech N9NE and Killer Mike are a flat out disgrace to rap.
It's a tragedy, really. Unless you just woke up from a coma, and you are hard up for some new music during recovery, or you're just really desperate to fill empty space on your iPod Nano, I sincerely suggest you do not download this. I can only express thorough disappointment.
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A Voilà! Solution
If you're a regular reader, you'll know I'm not the type of person to remark on things I don't like. I have a lucky habit of not disliking the music I find. But when something like this happens, I can't help but lament; I can't help but want to make things better somehow! Well, I'll take a shot. Here is Voilà!'s recommended Back To School Playlist. Find this great music instead of the silly iTunes Sampler, and actually enjoy your music!
The rule: iTunes' samplers are directed toward a mainstream, pop-centric audience. They feature up and coming artists and a few weird, intriguing bands, and keep the mood of the playlist generally happy and upbeat. I've got to do the same! So no wild avant-garde or post-rock here. Just some good, fun, wholesome pop/alt-rock/dance/hip-hop.
Don't Tell Me To Do The Math(s) - Los Campesinos! Making Love With Time - The Je Ne Sais Quoi Leave The Light On - Priscilla Ahn Not So City Life - Pants Yell! If I Had Eyes - Jack Johnson Trepabalcones - Bam Bam When The Child Awakes - Mount Righteous Oregon Girl - Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Modern Day Saint - Via Audio When I Was A Soldier - Weather Underground Everybody Else - Care Bears On Fire Your Girlfriend's Car - Throw Me The Statue Habanera - Kate Nash I'm Good, I'm Gone - Lykke Li For Halloween - No Kids A Cause Des Garçons - Yelle D.A.N.C.E. - Justice Bassment Party - The Cool Kids ハイウェイ - Quruli Little Giant - Vampire Weekend Margo Left in Bed - Brown Recluse Sings A Thread Cut With A Carving Knife - Stars Anchors Dropped - Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band Come Around - M.I.A.
