A New Year of Ohbijou

It's a tradition. To be true, there are many who carry out the silly tradition every year; there are also many who fall short of their commitment as well, but maybe that's a little hidden part of the tradition as well. Once a year though, at the beginning of every year, we all resolve to become resolute. That is to say, we make our New Years Resolutions, and commit ourselves fully to our aspirations and endeavours.

Ohbijou has resolutions too. With resolve, the Canadian ensemble is ready and raring to start 2009 with a bang. And what better way to ring in the new year than with some exciting news? All throughout last year, Ohbijou has touted, even teased their humble listeners with word of a prospective album lurking in some mysterious Canadian studio, just waiting to be finished up and shipped off through the speakers. The treat of hearing "Black Ice" many months ago was happily welcomed, and it was a genuine celebration to hear Ohbijou cover "Darcy" by fellow Bellwood Park friends, The Acorn.

But enough is enough! It's almost the end of the decade; almost three years since the release of their debut LP Swift Feet for Troubling Times; where in the world is this magical folk-pop album by one of the best bands out of Ontario? Well reader, you eager anticipation officially has a name and a predicted date of release. Clear out your date planner and get ready for a date with the latest tunes from Ohbijou! Because Ohbijou's new album, officially titled Beacon, will be out sometime this coming April. There's no official release date yet, but Ohbijou aren't exactly anti-social about this - they're every bit as excited as the rest of us - and promise to keep us informed on the latest announcements.

In the mean time, what to do, what to do? Well, you could always pick up Swift Feet for Troubling Times, which has more Ohbijou than you may know what to do with. Then there's always their Myspace, which certainly boasts some lovely songs. And there's this little documentary they released several months ago. But if all this material isn't enough to tide you over, then get your spurs and saddle up a horse, because if you make it down to South by Southwest here in Texas this coming March, you can catch Ohbijou performing live; this is before they launch a North American tour in support of Beacon.

Good news, and what a valiant resolution. Let us resolve, reader, to just a little more patience, to give Ohbijou's celebratory music the chance to enthrall us to its fullest extent.

Band of the Week: Takka Takka

[January 26 - February 1]

Takka Takka
Sounds Like: Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: Via Audio, Headlights, The Owls

Synopsis: Perky indie-pop with a groove and a feeling.

Makes You Want To...: Tap your foot; Dream; Read a book.
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Takka Takka.


Ever have one of those days? It's almost certain you have; out of all the time we spend on this crazy planet, you're bound to eventually have a day go sour on you. Ever have one of those days several days in a row? It's bad luck, but sometimes, one of those days can easily turn into one of those weeks. It's those days when you have to cope - days when you have to find something worth smiling for, and enjoying every second of whatever that is. Sure, there are plenty of songs out their about depression, angst, and serious matters. But it's not all so morose out there! There's a world of tasty bubblegum of music to listen to, and if you know where the best place to look is, you can find the most bubblicious gum out there, and really turn that frown of yours upside down.

Takka Takka understands happiness. They get smiles - they love smiles. They love positive thinking, and positive feedback. They're into clapping, and whistling, and singing neat melodies about friends and fun times. Takka Takka is an ensemble out of Brooklyn who are willing to go out of their way through rhyme to make you have a better day.

It doesn't take a lot to change things up. With a nice beat and a nice bass line, Takka Takka will have your body giving a little shake here, and a little nod there. Characterized by their light guitar plucks and whimsy - yet thoroughly intriguing - lyrics, Takka Takka brings a distinct mood to the world of indie-pop truly unique to them. And after touring with and impressing the likes of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, you can definitely say that the boys have a few music credibility notches on their belts.

Presently, Takka Takka is taking it easy back home, following the release of their latest album, Migration, which debuted last year. They'll be keeping quiet until mid-march, when they'll leave good ol' New England for the rip-roarin' wilds of Southern Texas to visit South By Southwest. Takka Takka has a couple EPs, along with their freshmen LP, We Feel Safer At Night, all of which present a wide array of delightful sounds for you to indulge. And of course they have a Myspace, but you probably guessed that.

Bell Orchestre Releases New Songs

Montréal brings to mind a wonderfully eclectic sound of orchestral rock if you pay attention to the subtle undercurrents of musical culture. From the classically inspired post-modern sound of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, the clashing orchestral-and-pop yet thoroughly invigorating expression from Stars, to the legendary style of The Arcade Fire, Montréal creates a distinct form of uniqueness to round out the wild renaissance of Canadian music within the last decade.

The Arcade Fire in particular embodies a strong sense of orchestral rock, only rivaled by the still of the former Seattle orchestral rock band, Some By Sea. But between Funeral and Neon Bible, some of the members of the Québecois collective got antsy, and needed to pursue their own musical endeavours. First was violinist Owen Pallett, who formed his solo side-project, Final Fantasy. Then there was the post-rock and/or chamber rock sound of Bell Orchestre, a band known for their lack of lyrics and their intense, inspiring music.

Things have been oppressively quiet from Bell Orchestre ever since the release of Recording a Tape the Colour of the Light. And though their secretive demo preceding Recording a Tape... dribbled slowly into the music world, upcoming information from the humbly quiet band was scarce; they simply said that they were busy working on a future album, with no date in particular set for a release.

But finally, a light shines forth! Bell Orchestre has announced that their sophomore album, As Seen Through Windows, is due for release on March 10th of this year. To celebrate the completion of their album, they're giving Canada and New York a treat of some live shows through Feburary and April. But the new album, Recorded in Soma Studios in Chicago (as opposed to the notorious Montréal haunt Hotel2Tango), As Seen Through Windows will be released by none other than the broad Canadian record label Arts & Crafts, entering Bell Orchestre into the ranks of Broken Social Scene, Los Campesinos!, The Most Serene Republic, and many more. As if this wasn't exciting enough, Bell Orchestre has also released two brand new songs from As Seen Through Windows, "The Gaze" and "Elephants."

I'm shocked you're still here, reader! Hurry, hurry, because Bell Orchestre's new songs are not something to idly miss. Rush on over to Bell Orchestre's Myspace and listen to their latest songs from their forthcoming album, As Seen Through Windows, right now!

Bam Bam Returns to SXSW

They call it the calm before the storm. They say it's always darkest before the dawn. They say "It's all quiet on the western front," but we all know what they mean when they say things like this. They're saying the storm will be a'comin' round the bend with a fury never witnessed by human eyes. They're saying that with the end of the night and the decline of the moon brings the coming of new life with the fiery fury of the sun's glorious rise to stardom. They're saying things are calm from now, but don't count on it for much longer.

What I'm saying is that it's all quiet on the Republican front. And by Republican, I'm of course talking about the glorious Republic of Texas. This rip-roarin' southern state is known for quite a number of things. But for us music fans, we know exactly why Texas is important. Because we know that thousands upon millions of true music lovers converge upon the capital city of Austin for one of the largest music festivals in the nation - and I'm not talking about Austin City Limits. The event - the soirée - neigh, the tribute to music - is known in four letters: SXSW. It may be two months off, but South By Southwest 2009 has been in the planning stages for ages now. And the big names are finally checking themselves into the line-up list for appearances.

"The face that lost a thousand ships..." That's what they say about Helen. But all Grecians aside, South by Southwest is one of my favourite music festivals. Not that I've ever been, sadly enough. But like the images of Troy, South by Southwest is the festival that launched a thousand bands toward success. Every great band starts somewhere, and there's a fair chance that if you keep track of bands in the independent music scene, they got their start in a breezy March down in Austin during South by Southwest. The names of renowned bands that got their start down in South Texas I could list right now would send your head spinning, so I'll spare you the epicness. But why do I love SXSW? Simply because not only are our favourites in attendance (as performers and onlookers alike), but SXSW launches those tiny little guys into the forefront of our attention. It introduces the next big things, or the soon-to-be's, and we can celebrate their awesome musical talent with joyous splendour.

By far the most fabulous band to come out of last year's South by Southwest was a humble band from south of the border. Hailing from Mexico, Bam Bam came rolling through the Lone Star State in true fiesta spirit. With an epic sound like Broken Social Scene if they had only four members, Bam Bam brought a vibrant spirit to the entire festival in their quick but unforgettable musical debut. They present themselves as a Mexican version of The Pillows, and certainly won't let you down with their eclectic songs, wild attitude, and somewhat snarky - definitely fun - all Spanish lyrics.

As mention, South by Southwest isn't 'til March. You can get tickets if you so desire right here. But this is reason to hustle into your purchase, for Bam Bam is returning for another round in the Lone Star State with another performance at SXSW 2009! They promise awesomeness, and I doubt these folks could ever let you down. What should you do? Well, I highly suggest reading my review of Bam Bam from last year's South by Southwest (they can be the band of the week again this week since I took a break). Here's an album review as well! I also earnestly recommend visiting their Myspace to check out their songs, and that fiesta stuff I mentioned. As if just hearing their tunage wasn't enough of a treat, if you mosey on RIGHT HERE, you can snag a free digitial copy of Bam Bam's debut LP. I did say debut LP and free in the same sentence, folks. Why would you not want to have one for yourself? Get prepared - these Mexican cats don't simply know how to party - they'll teach you - neigh, redefine - how you party forever.

The Peasants! Come Marching In

Parades are always fun. You can get together with family, friends, or hell, even with strangers. And then you have a crazy party - a crazy party in public no less - what's not to love? There's confetti, and loud noises, and usually some neat music. What's not to love? What's not to love if the paraders are from Wales as well?

If you haven't caught the drift yet, listen in. The fact is, Los Campesinos! is ready and raring to come stateside for their huge East Coast tour which will send them straight down the Atlantic corridor, and back up the heartlands of the United States in a parade or rampant frivolity, good grammar, and eclectic music. If you haven't listened to Los Campesinos!, my dear readers, you've been thoroughly missing out. But there is word drifting about that Los Campeisnos! throw a right fun party when they're given the chance - so I have read. And since they're usually at home in the United Kingdom, why would you pass up a glorious opportunity to catch them live?!

You can go find out more about Los Campesinos! right over here. Or, if you'd rather catch their songs, I'd recommend a rendezvous avec ils Myspace right away. I don't doubt you can also catch both of their albums that they released last year (Hold On Now, Youngster... and We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed). Hurry, hurry! Before the parade is over.


01-15 Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
01-16 Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle
01-17 Atlanta, GA - The Earl
01-19 Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits
01-20 Tampa, FL - Orpheum
01-21 Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder
01-23 Birmingham, AL - Bottletree
01-24 Nashville, TN - Exit-In
01-25 Memphis, TN - Hi Tone
01-27 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jack’s
01-29 Houston, TX - Walter’s On Washington
01-30 Austin, TX - The Parish
01-31 Dallas, TX - Club Dada
02-03 Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck
02-04 St. Louis, MO - The Gargoyle
02-06 Madison, WI - Der Rathskeller
02-07 Chicago, IL - Logan Sq. Auditorium
02-10 Grand Rapids, MI - Calvin College Ladies Literary Club
02-11 Columbus, OH - Wexner Center for the Arts
02-12 Swarthmore, PA - Swarthmore College Olde Club
02-13 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
02-14 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
02-15 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom

"The Rake's Song" - The Decemberists

Hearken forth! young squires. Heretofore, amongst the hallowed grounds of the music scene, we've heard fair tale of a young ensemble of minstrels ambling to and fro, calling themselves The Decemberists; rumours abound that these treacherous troubadours are afoot planning dastardly deeds. Hitherto, they have released an arrangement of minuscule musical epics in a triune under the sobriquet Always The Bridesmaid. But The Decemberists offer us virtuous admirers with a treat from their forthcoming record, The Hazards of Love...

Okay, what in the world am I talking about? Let's make it a bit simpler, dear readers. The Decemberists are about to release The Hazards of Love in a couple of months. And as a huge teaser for your eager ears, they are gracing their fans with a brand new song from the album. As if the Always The Bridesmaid series wasn't enough, The Decemberists are continuing with the marital attitude in "The Rake's Song." Detailing the the rude ravings of a not-so-committed married man, with an interesting set of kin, "The Rake's Song" offers a very prog-rock sound, featuring the altering styles of The Decemberists as they remain in their prime.

What do you do? Well, you could wander over to The Decemberists' Myspace to catch a glimpse of their material. Or, if you'd rather snag yourself a free copy of "The Rake's Song," wander over to The Decemberists' official site and catch a glimpse of The Hazards of Love with their first song from the new album. Do it quick, before these humble heroes change their minds.

Alright! Alright! Alright!

New Decemberists song appears online for free download, and I swoon in excitement

(let me refresh your memories...)

"Alright! Alright! Alright!"

So says the Rake, one of the many characters that are to fill the songs in The Decemberists' forthcoming LP, The Hazards of Love, due out this March. As a much enthused follower, I typed my way into their website as I am known to do regularly, and to my greatest excitement I was shown a page, illuminated with the above picture, and including a link to download the newest of Decemberists songs, The Rake's Song. I had heard the song prior in a downloaded live show Colin did solo, but to hear it in such form, along with the rest of the musical cast, not to mention how excited I am always when new songs surface, this day became so much better than it had already been. For those equally dying for new material, visit decemberists.com and you will (hopefully) see the same page as I did, and will be prompted to fill in your email address (for the link to download the song) and your ZIP code (for what reason, I am yet to determine, but whatever).

Cheers, and enjoy!

Priscilla Ahn's Live Sessions

Slowly but surely, some of our favourite artists are working their way into the limelight. Los Angeles beauty Priscilla Ahn has been a'busy in the past few months. Besides sending her hand through a glass window (it's a long story), and dealing with the trials and tribulations of Winter like the rest of us (otherwise known as getting a cold), she had been traipsing around the states with Amos Lee. Then we can't forget about her unique version of "Silent Night" on the Hotel Cafe's Winter Songs album. As if all this wasn't enough, Priscilla even uploaded "The Boob Song" (another long story) on her Myspace for all her adoring fans. How can she possibly top this?

She may just have. Ms. Ahn is taking no breaks, and has just been featured by iTunes in an exclusive live session. Priscilla's delicate voice shines forth through the speakers as she sings a short collection of some of her best songs. Whether it's her older material, like "Willow Weeping," her newer material from A Good Day, such as "Dream," or an intriguing rendition of "O Leãozinho," if you like Priscilla Ahn, you most certainly won't be let down.

If you can, rush right on over to iTunes right now, and snag yourself a digital copy of Priscilla Ahn's Live Sessions EP - it comes highly recommended. If you have a few dollars left over, try grabbing her album A Good Day from iTunes as well; it's surprisingly cheap for some reason (at the moment), and why pass up such a wonderful album when it's so affordable? If spending all that cash isn't your style, maybe you could wander over to La Blogotheque and watch Priscilla performing in her Take Away Show. Or how about saying high to her on Myspace, right after you check out all the amazing musical content she's offering. A Good Day, indeed, Priscilla Ahn - it is a good day, today.

Band of the Week: Dr. Manhattan

[January 12-18]

Dr. Manhattan
Sounds Like: Post-Punk
Drinking Buddies: Test Icicles, Foxy Shazam, Wax On Radio

Synopsis: Dr. Manhattan is a word scramble. Have fun! O-U-I-U-F-S-R

Makes You Want To...: Wild out; SCREAM!;
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Dr. Manhattan.


BRRRR!!! It's officially cold folks, at least all across the Western Hemisphere. Let me give you a set up of my present living conditions. My new place is on the second floor of a two story house, an abode that I dare say with complete legitimacy is easily over 100 years old. But there is no attic to this house with this second floor of mine (the adjacent room to my bedroom is the attic, for all intensive purposes). This means there's not a whole lot of space seperating my head between the roof of the house, meaning there's next to no room for any sort of insulation. Meaning it gets FREEZING up here (the other night I could see my breath... with the heater on... that's not right).

Since there's also no central heating in a house this antiquated, there's really no easy way to stay warm. How does one manage? Turn on a couple electric heaters, find the nearest blanket and couch, layer your clothes, and bite you lip! How do I manage? I keep my body MOVING. Not that I'm running laps around the house, mind you, but even when I'm sitting somewhere, I keep a groove going. With the right music, not only can you have an amiable time dancin' your butt off, but reader, you'll also have the blood in your veins coarsing and warming every section of that body. But to understand the cold, and to understand how to keep warm in such cold, you've got to find a band that knows their stuff, and (of course), has their own groove in their music.

Dr. Manhattan may not be affiliated with the Big Apple, but somewhere amidst the jumbled mountain of suburbs off Lake Michigan on the outskirts Chicagoland rests the town of Wauconda. And in this snowy little town resides a quartet of raving, rabid, riotous collection of post-punk rockers who see things a tad differently. You have to consider them a smidgen off the beaten path if you realize they're singing something like "Gunpowder: A Ballet." You must not only consider the oddity, but relish in it, as the sounds of gentle piano juxtaposed with vicious guitar riffs rocket through your ears. Dr. Manhattan takes your conceptions of music and rips them apart like a shredder.

It's one thing to bring a raging passion to the stage, but this is just ridiculous. With quick-spit lyrics alongside a pulsing drumbeat, Dr. Manhattan slurs poisonous rhyme like a venomous snake, the key objective to bring their respective listeners down to their rowdy level (that is to say, into a turbid frenzy). A slew of nonstandard chords filter out of the speakers as if in homage to The Blood Brothers, while a new pulse of young blood is invigorated with complex song structure. Not to mention that this cool Illinois cats know how to have themselves some fun; their vibrant, raucous attitude rings like silver while they parade in a violent soirée before their audiences. It's rumoured that Dr. Manhattan's live performances are indescribable in the best ways possible. Judging by their recorded work, I'm going to have to gossip and suggest that such fabrications are entirely true.

Cold, cold, it's so cold, dear reader. And that's down here in Texas. Those Illinois folks must be feeling it quite bitterly, but promises are that Dr. Manhattan will be heating things up as they play a few local shows around their home state, filling their free time with work on their sophomore album. Afterwards, Dr. Manhattan is launching on a rip-roaring tour of frivolity and debauchery across the states with the likes of The AKAs and Foxy Shazam. These boys have released an EP every year since 2005, culminating in the debut of their freshman self-titled LP last year. As if that weren't cool enough, Dr. Manhattan also support the Illinois natives working hard at Futureappletree Studio 1, and have graced the Daytrotter studios with an exclusive performance. You can check their perfomance out, or of course visit the boys on Myspace and give them a shout out. Have a nice week, faithful readers! Stay warm.

Time is Industry...

"...It owns a part of me
I'm living in this world because I'm scared to leave
Peace and harmony
Don't mean a thing to me
I'm done with love and make believe"


Time can be a strange thing, and how it affects a band and their music can be as altering as anything these days. Some, make that most, of my favorite bands are subject to the trivialities that time presents, whether it be as drastic as members leaving for other endeavors, or as simple as a change in style. Among these groups, bands I will discuss in detail, I have noticed distinct growths over short periods of time, not always for the better. But the point is that what makes the music scene in this age so amazing is its music's ability to be molded and reformed to fit or find new ears that are searching for new and original sound.



One of the biggest factors that I can think of may be the transition between indie labels and major labels. Many bands have fallen victim to the enticing stranglehold of the major label—with its widening revenues and delicious contracts, its hard for an indie band, whose members are scrounging each year to make their way from show to show, hoping merely to cast their eyes across a sea of dedicated fans, to avoid the perks of the major label lifestyle. Now, it's not like everything that comes with the major label is bad (please keep reading indie lovers). Mainstream music isn't all horrible and overplayed crap on 105.5 KWIZ (random name), and not all major label bands are to be thrown into the abyss of hoard-filled concert arenas where the best seat you can get anymore is miles away from the band. Some really great former-indie groups are now major label bands continuing their courses to amaze and wonder their fans, including my favorite band of all (its name never uttered enough, my beloved Decemberists). One can recall their somewhat lo-fi EPs and beginning demos that only cry out, "I'm an indie band, and I'm proud of it!" But recently, and that's in the last two years, they signed with Capitol Records, and released their latest full length album, The Crane Wife, which got a lot more publicity being on the major label. Before its release, and their signing to Capitol, I would never even imagine hearing them on the radio or anywhere except my headphones or their shows for that matter. But within a year, I heard them not once, but twice, at Starbucks of all places, I kid you not. And, while a small part of me cringes and goes, "no, not them!" the rest of me is glad to see them recognized, and wants to listen to them even more. As far as their musical changes, and they are plenty, I don't really mind. Colin Meloy, its frontrunner, is as good of a song writer than anyone else in the biz today, as far as I'm concerned, and the fact that he is still writing and putting out quality records is good enough for me. (Figures that I'd start with my favorite band, I'm too predictable.)



I'll stray from the major label topic, cause, frankly, I don't know what bands are major and which are indie these days. Another band I've been listening to in super abundance lately is Nada Surf. These guys have been through a lot as a band, since '95 when their first EP came out, and shortly after in '96 High/Low, which was a big hit due to the single "Popular". But from there, they didn't get too much recognition. Their '98 album tanked compared to the first record, and then they went out of the scene for five years without a record. They resurfaced in 2003 with Let Go, and a new sound with it, becoming the band I know and love today, soft and melodic tunes that no matter how rocking they may get, they are still calm and laid back enough that I can relax and fall asleep even (not out of boredom of course). Their latest two records, The Weight Is A Gift (2005) and Lucky (2008), are my two favorite, and I say both of them because I cannot find one single track from either one that I don't like, and can't tap my foot to and hum aloud. Over the twelve years, if they've gained anything it's consistency throughout the whole record. For those who haven't heard them, I suggest these two records, songwise, I really like "Always Love" and "Blankest Year" (from Weight...), and "Beautiful Beat" and "See These Bones" (from Lucky).



Speaking of relaxing, one of the songwriters out there I look up to most is Sam Beam, stage-named Iron & Wine. His music is possibly some of the most impressive and exhilarating sounds today. He started in 2002 with The Creek Drank The Cradle, which sounds as if he put a lo-fi mic up to his guitar, and made the record all by himself. There isn't anything too fancy with the songs from it, and that's perhaps why I love it so much. It's simple, it lets you focus on the lyrical genius he presents. Some of my favorite songs overall of his come from this record, such as "Weary Memory" or "Upward over the Mountain". Soon after came Sea and the Rhythm, a similarly lo-fi EP, whose title track is extraordinarily beautiful in how it portrays the story. Over the five years since these lo-fi records, he has unmasked new tricks, slowly, a few at a time, to create the layered songs he put on his 2007 record, The Shepherd's Dog. He added percussion in bits to his records, slide and steel guitar tracks, banjo, piano, upright and electric bass, etcetera. There's basically nothing that this man cannot do with a guitar, or have others do for him to make his music all the more amazing. And all of this flows into the power-house of indie labels that is Sub-Pop, also storing many of my other favorite bands such as The Shins, The Postal Service, Hot Hot Heat (although inactive), and bands I know to be good as well (despite not listening to them), Loney, Dear, Wolf Parade, The Go! Team, Flight of the Conchords, and many others.

If any one conclusion can be made, it would be that time does wonders to music. Even though some of my favorite and most influential bands are from the late 60s through the 80s, for instance, Pink Floyd or Zeppelin (bands that had as hard of times as any I can think of), it only takes time for one, a songwriter or a struggling musician, to find his or her true voice and translate that into their music. Take Colin Meloy, lead singer of The Decemberists for example (and as you see, I do that a lot). He was once lead singer of a country and western band named Tarkio out of Montana, but struggled with his songwriting. After they broke up, he completely changed the type of music he wrote, and began to style music that didn't seem to appeal to people (as I've heard him describe the transformation in various radio interviews). But what he found playing in coffee shops around the pacific northwest was that there too was an audience willing to listen to these sad, tormented stories he would weave. In time, he even found likewise musicians to join him in his awkward crusade (for that I am most truly grateful). I guess what I'm trying to convey is that taking time to reinvent yourself, even when you have no clue as to who you are or what you want to become, in music but also in life, the only thing you need is time to gather your ideas. I hope that, in this time of struggle, financially, ethically, perhaps even musically, that these words give you comfort, and most importantly, faith that there is in fact land beyond that ever-widening horizon.


P.S. Oh and if you can guess the band that I quoted to start this, you get 10 points.
Hint: While they all came together to form their band in NY, some members first played music together in Southern Cali before the lead singer attended NYU.

Video: When The Child Awakes - Mount Righteous

When you are in love with something, everyone tells you to stand on top of a mountain and shout your praise to the world. Ironically, Grapevine, TX has Mount Righteous, and they've certainly been a'hollerin' love, and joy, and downright fun throughout 2008. Mount Righteous has been at home in the Republic of Texas for awhile now, but they certainly aren't sitting down idly and relaxing.

No, rather, they are busy bees, working on their sophomore album, following that of their debut When The Music Starts released on their independent label Righteous Records. But between composing, recording, and giving North Texas a taste of righteousness with a few local shows strewn about the next few months, they've decided to give a late Christmas-but-just-in-time-for-the-New-Year present.

Why yes, indeed reader, that would happen to be Mount Righteous' first music video, capturing the eclectic tunes from their song "When The Child Awakes." Following suit with the gleeful melody and happy clapping, the music video is very simple, showing tons of smiling faces. How can you not smile/dance/clap along while watching?! I don't think neglecting the happiness is possible, but that's just me. So what are you waiting for?! Rush over here to watch the video of "When The Child Awakes," the latest addition to the Mount Righteous repertoire. And don't forget to wander on by and say hi to the ladies and gentlemen of the Texas ensemble at their Myspace.

Thao with The Get Down Stay Down on Daytrotter

They say lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice. But there certainly aren't any rules about great music. For those of you who are savvy to some of the great artists to finally get some worthy notoriety last year, the last time Thao Nguyen and friends wandered through Futureappletree Studio 1 - AKA Daytrotter - they played some wondrous songs from their then forthcoming album, We Brave Be Stings and All, in one of the best Daytrotter sessions that I believe they've recorded.

Once more, as you may surmise, Thao has returned; under the new moniker Thao with The Get Down Stay Down, the pop-folk quartet has returned to Futureappletree Studio 1 in Illinois to record with Daytrotter once more. Stronger, wiser, and sleeker after a slew in the world around them, Thao with The Get Down Stay Down come baring more favourites from We Brave Be Stings and All, along with some oldies and a brand newie. Excitement may now ensue!

That being blabbered by me, go check out the wonderful writing on Daytrotter instead, as they prattle on about Thao with The Get Down Stay Down. Of course, there is always some gorgeous (and free) music for you to indulge in while you're present. If you're a'hankering for a little more of Thao with The Get Down Stay Down though, you might want to wander over to either their imeem, their Myspace, or their previous venture with Daytrotter. The options are limitless, readers!

...Well, limited to three.
But you get the picture.

Band of the Week: The New Amsterdams

[January 5-11]

The New Amsterdams
Sounds Like: Indie / Acoustic
Drinking Buddies: The Get Up Kids, The Scene Aesthetic, Kevin Devine

Synopsis:

Makes You Want To...: Go driving; Walk in the park; Sing
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is The New Amsterdams.


The new year! A fresh start. 2008 was a strange one indeed, yet a wonderful year for the music world. We can only hope that 2009 holds a few musical surprises for our eager ears. But just because of the new year doesn't mean we need to launch ourselves headfirst into uncharted territory. No, maybe staying within our comfort zone can be something not only comfortable, but also something we can relish. Let's not search for some unknown band, but one with a stronger since of familiarity. Let's peruse some folks who've been playing some wonderful music since the beginning of the decade.

The New Amsterdams didn't intend to be a big hit. In fact, it was originally just a side project of Matt Pryor, lead singer of The Get Up Kids. A very stripped down musical outfit from his work in the 90s emo rock band known for playing alongside the likes of Jimmy Eat World, The Promise Ring, and Weezer, along with spawning Reggie and the Full Effect and The Anniversary after The Get Up Kids' break up. The band quickly began to build itself up, as Pryor asked his bandmate Ryan Pope along with Pope's brother to help with recording an album.

But The Get Up Kids broke up in 2005. And thus, Pryor took hold of The New Amsterdams as a new full time musical career. Crafting their own unique sound apart from The Get Up Kids, The New Amsterdams bring a stronger blend of acoustic, country, as well as folk influence to the table The simultaneous blend crafts a thoroughly vibrant combination of sounds that sends listeners on an intriguing ride while Pryor lilts us with his consonant tenor. Continuing with an emphasis on the acoustic, The New Amsterdams present a very lighthearted mood; a mood that presents far too many reasons to tap your foot and hum along to the melody. I have yet to share The New Amsterdams with a friend and find someone who was unhappy with them. I hope to keep that tradition going.

The New Amsterdams are presently on a bit of a hiatus, staying silent in the background and enjoying themselves. Rumour has it that they're busying themselves by recording new material for their next album, following the release of their previous work At The Foot of My Rival. Over the past couple years, they released a few EPs, and of course, they have their extensive repertoire of albums released over the past nine years. Definitely wander down to their Myspace, where you can catch their videos, tons of their songs, along with other neat things.

It's time to ring in the new year!
Have a nice week, reader. Hopefully we all start January off right.

The Calm Before the Storm

EPs before the LP

In the shadow of the forthcoming LP by The Decemberists, Hazards of Love, now foreseen to be released in March of 2009, the 5-piece indie ensemble released a series of two song singles entitled Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series over the past two months, consisting of seven total tracks available on vinyl or digital download across the web.

The first installment, Valerie Plame, included the title track and on its B-side "O New England," the former resembling a bit of the old with a bit of the new, and the latter taking a page out of The Decemberists' roots in basic song styles. The first track, "Valerie Plame," obviously about the famed CIA officer of the same name, whose name was kept in secrecy, paints a layered picture of what this band is capable of. On the forefront is the voice of Colin Meloy, along with his melodic acoustic guitar and the drums of John Moen. Slowly, instruments are introduced, next the mandolin and bass guitar, an electric guitar to balance the organs, and in the ensuing verses and choruses, tuba, accordion, trumpets, a bevy of backing vocals all piling into one another to form a shouting chorus singing in unison "la da da da, hey hey Valerie Plame..." as the song fades away. If one were to stumble upon the band merely from this one song, they would hear all that the Decemberists have to offer in one healthy serving, great lyrics, great harmonies, and great imagination.

The first volume ends with "O New England," balancing out the epicness of the previous track with its basic chord progression, relaxing bass tones, and soothing lyrics. This track reminds me much of their first EP (5 Songs), not venturing too much into the odd array of instruments they're known to employ, sticking to guitars and organs, and of course, amazing backup vocals to echo the lyrics of Colin. And in the style they love, they end the track with the repeated lines, "we'd come seven hours down," making it hard for one not to sing along.



The second installment, Days of Elaine, features the title track and also their cover of "I'm Sticking With You", the first of which shows Colin's great range in lyrical lore, and the second displaying their ability to create apt renditions of other artists' work. "Days of Elaine" tells a brilliant, depressing as always, story with great references and vocabulary that beg you to faint in awe. The second verse especially finds itself warm to my heart -- "when they strung him up, he got all hung up in the scaffolding" -- how they can weave a tale to an upbeat tempo, and still present a woeful picture, an amazing quality in their work. Also included is a longer version of the song, ending with an extended solo section consisting of some really interesting and creative solo work by the band.

The single ends with the cover of The Velvet Undeground's "I'm Sticking With You", to the brilliant workings of Jenny Conlee on piano and the dual vocals of Jenny and Colin harmonizing. Coming out of the bridge to the repeated refrain of "Whoa-oa, I'm sticking with you...", it seems that only The Decemberists could pull this off, aside from the Velvet Underground, toying with these basic chords, the slow relaxed drums and light guitar solo of Chris Funk. They hit this song right on the money, performing to the peak of their talents, easily fitting a smile upon my face just as the song fades, and someone laughs in the background (I think it's Chris Funk by the way).



The third installment, Record Year for Rainfall, features the title track as well as a crowd favorite, "Raincoat Song." These last two songs would probably be my favorite as a collection, which is so hard for me to say being totally obsessed with pretty much everything the band has released the last three years. "Record Year for Rainfall" is absolutely my favorite of the entire EP though. It begins very calmly with Colin on guitar, playing an awkward, yet beautiful, chord, and quickly joined by Chris on banjo echoing the higher notes. And just after the first verse concludes, making way for the second, Nate enters with his acoustic bass, adding a very necessary old fashioned quality. I also love how the drums are very relaxed, only present for the chorus and lifted for the verses. In the chorus we are also pleased to hear a little steel guitar picks, and some light violin. It would be a Jenny-less song up until the end, where in the outro her piano makes an appearance, deep and dark notes in the background. The song ends just as it begins, Colin and Chris sharing the stage, and brilliantly trailing off with a beautiful guitar chord.

"Raincoat Song" was one the songs Colin took to the road on his solo tour, so a few of us may be familiar with it. But despite that, we are all the more excited to hear it in a studio recording. The story behind it is beautiful, I believe it to be about Colin's sweetheart Carson Ellis, who did much of the artwork for their albums. Personally, this song holds a lot of weight because of how simple it is. It distinguishes itself from the others in the EP due to it only featuring one guitar and the voices of Colin and an unidentified second (could be Jenny, could be a male from the band, could even be Colin a second time). And thus, the song becomes very easy to listen to, something one could serenade themselves to sleep with, fit for any occasion on any day. It ends just as beautifully as it begins, back to the simple chord it starts with. And there we are left, aching for more, wondering how amazing the LP coming next could possibly be. To others, those not blessed with the music Colin and his crew have left for us, the next three months are just like any other three normal months. But to us, the proud few who have been enchanted by the comical wit, the charming title, the fascinating lyrics, and most of all the wondrous voice of music, these next months will be the last remaining before we are again bewitched by their ingenious sounds.