The Most Serene Republic (TMSR) is a band from Toronto that is fairly new on the scene. I'd like to say that I've been following them throughout their entire career, but that would be a lie. I had a couple of TMSR songs that I found through Insound.com. But, I didn't start seriously listening to TMSR until I heard Stars' Do You Trust Your Friends? (remix album of Set Yourself on Fire). On the album, TMSR recorded an amazing acoustic version of "Ageless Beauty." I enjoyed the rendition so much that I started searching for more of their music.
From Arts & Crafts, The Most Serene Republic was the first band on the label that was not related to Broken Social Scene. TMSR carries on some of the same indie-pop feel that is embodied by bands on the label like Broken Social Scene and Stars. However, I definitely think that a lot of TMSR's stuff has more of a math rock feel. So, it's not surprising that the album was influenced by the works of Igor Stravinsky. I love the complexities of their music, and the combination of sounds is unlike anything else that I've heard before (excluding music that I didn't enjoy).
Off their new album, Population, "Solipsism Millionaires" is one of my favorites. But, they didn't play it last night when I saw them at Mercury Lounge. Sad, I know. Still, I wasn't at all disappointed by their performance. The band had so much fun playing on stage that I couldn't help but dance and smile right back (which is my normal behavior, anyway). It's refreshing to see a band having fun while performing. I hate watching bands who care more about looking the part than actually enjoying themselves. I keep on thinking about how Adrian (lead male vocals) said that we, New Yorkers, were watching them and judging so that we can go home and blog about them later. I guess i lived up to that stereotype.
Since Mercury Lounge is a small venue, I was able to meet some of the members of TMSR after the show. There are always two things that I can count on from New Yorkers at a small-venue, 21+ show:
1) They are afraid of being too close to the stage. Therefore, I am always in the front.
2) They are afraid of approaching the band. Therefore, I have no problems talking to the band afterwards.
I mostly talked to Tony, the drummer, and Ryan, the pianist. We talked about the math rock influences in their music and griped about Pitchfork's reviews, which are NEVER elitist, pretentious, or biased. They were really gracious and down-to-earth. Also, Andrew, the merch guy, was great and found me some buttons.
Can't wait until they return to NYC. Hopefully, they'll play "Solipsism Millionaires" next time.
Setlist
Humble Peasants
You're Not An Astronaut
Anhoi Polloi
The Men Who Live Upstairs
Phages
(Oh) God
Sherry and Her Butterfly Net
Why So Looking Back
Compliance
Career in Shaping Clay
You're A Loose Cannon McArthur...But You Get The Job Done
Content Was Always My Favorite Colour
Present of Future End
The Men Who Live Upstairs - The Most Serene Republic
Sherry and Her Butterfly Net - The Most Serene Republic
Solipsism Millionaires - The Most Serene Republic
December 15, 2007
The Most Serene Republic
December 9, 2007
Top of 2007: Radiohead's "In Rainbows"
"In Rainbows" is Radiohead's newest (7th) album. It was released two months ago as a download for a price that you could name (even $0). As far as albums go for 2007, "In Rainbows" probably falls into my Top 3. Apparently, the first single off the album will be "Jigsaw Falling Into Place," which is surprising to me because I don't think that it is the strongest track on the album. Not bad, but not spectacular for "In Rainbows."
Please give the tracks below a listen. Some people are writing "In Rainbows" off for not being "experimental enough." What characterizes experimental music anyway? Unpredictability? Complete uniqueness? And what defines a band as being "experimental?" I think it's unreasonable to expect a band, who was initially defined as being experimental, to continue producing music that is unlike anything else. As time goes on and more artists experiment, ground-breaking composition and performance techniques can become more common. Not that Radiohead's sound is common in any way. There's definitely an evolution in their sound from album to album. Anyway, what I expected from Radiohead was a solid album, and they definitely surpassed that expectation.
If you don't have this album, you need to get it immediately. Hopefully, you had a chance to download this album for free. The name-your-price download ended on December 10th (London time). But, you should find a way to acquire it, because it is AMAZING and not to be missed. World tour starts in May!
Bodysnatchers - Radiohead
15 Step - Radiohead
Reckoner - Radiohead
Jigsaw Falling Into Place - Radiohead
Buy it here.
December 3, 2007
!!! (Chk Chk Chk)
!!! (commonly pronounced "chk chk chk") is a band from Brooklyn, NY (surprise, surprise) that I found through Insound.com. This was probably around the time they released their most recent album, Myth Takes. Judging by that album, I knew that their live show would be a crazy dance feast, the best kind of concert. Sure enough, when I went to their show at Webster Hall in October, I got exactly what I expected. I was in the front, and I even danced with the lead singer, Nic Offer, through the iron wall that separates the fans from the stage.
***Side story: Nic Offer rhetorically asked, "Who puts on a better show than us?" Some girl yelled out, "BATTLES!!" I gave her the look of death. I've experienced Battles, and I was sorta confused by what I had witnessed. But, I guess the recorded album is equally as confusing. It's not that I hate them... I just don't particularly enjoy them. Sometimes, I'll listen to a song and think, "Wow, this isn't bad." And then the synthesized voice of Tyondai Braxton (aka Alvin and the Chipmunks) comes in, and I am rendered speechless. However, for whatever reason, I like "Atlas." Their next single is to be "Tonto," which THANKFULLY does not feature any vocals.
Anyway, back to !!!.
Their first single off Myth Takes was "Must Be the Moon," which I can only describe to be infectious. The story that the singer tells is classic: One-night stand with an unpleasant morning-after. Guy wakes up to girl who doesn't want to give him her number. Lesson of his story? Don't blame the music, blame it on the moon. The music video matches the song pretty well. Rituals at a house party? Definitely the influence of the moon.
I dare you to listen to "Must Be the Moon" and not dance in your chairs.
Must Be The Moon - !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
Heart of Hearts - !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
Bend Over Beethoven - !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
November 29, 2007
Vampire Weekend
Picture was taken in Hamilton.
Vampire Weekend, you are my heroes. You graduated from Columbia, you're doing your thing, and you're getting somewhere. You toured with my favorite band, Tokyo Police Club, and with Ra Ra Riot. I don't even personally know any of you and I am so excited because I ACTUALLY LIKE LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC.
What amuses me the most is that Vampire Weekend's first live performance was at a battle of the bands event hosted by my engineering school's student council. Needless to say, the judges were not experts on music. It's laughable that Vampire Weekend finished 3rd out of 4 bands. Read the Columbia coverage here and coverage by the NY Sun here. I love the judge who commented," Generally, I don’t like hipsters, but you guys are OK." Oh, I am sad to be an engineer right now.
***UPDATE*** Vampire Weekend was featured in Vogue, and the article says that the band formed exactly four days before the battle of the bands event.
I'm definitely planning on going to this Vampire Weekend album release show since the other one is sold out. Both shows are in January at the Bowery Ballroom.
If I didn't have finals, I would go to Cambridge to see TPC, Ra Ra Riot, and Vampire Weekend play at the Friends of John charity show.
So, if you haven't already, give them a listen. The album will be officially released early next year. They say they are influenced by popular African music and classical Western music. "African preppy." Nice and mellow. They did a Daytrotter session not too long ago.
"Oxford Comma" makes me smile, because I am a huge nerd and love the Oxford comma. It bothers me when people don't use it. So, "who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?" I do, Vampire Weekend.
Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
Mansard Roof
November 26, 2007
"I'm Not There" Original Soundtrack
"I'm Not There" is the biographical film on the life of Bob Dylan. In the movie, Bob Dylan is played by six different actors, including Heath Ledger, Richard Gere, and Cate Blanchett. While the movie has some mixed reviews, it currently boasts a 81% on Rotten Tomatoes. To be honest, I don't know much about Bob Dylan, his life and his music. But, it is easy to see that the soundtrack for "I'm Not There" is monumental. The artists that cover Bob Dylan range from Cat Power to Sonic Youth to Stephen Malkmus and Sufjan Stevens. Credited in many of the songs, the Million Dollar Bashers are a group that include members of Sonic Youth, Wilco, and other musicians.
I've chosen a few songs to feature on this posting. These are not to be missed! I didn't even like Cat Power until I heard her cover. And it's nice to learn some Iron & Wine that doesn't immediately soothe you to sleep.
If you can, I highly recommend that you hear the rest of the soundtrack. It's a 2-CD compilation with a total of 34 songs. Some of the other artists include Yo La Tengo, the Hold Steady, Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam), and the Black Keys.
Ring Them Bells - Sufjan Stevens
Dark Eyes - Calexico and Iron & Wine
Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again - Cat Power
November 23, 2007
Of Montreal
With seven PLUG award nominations, Of Montreal is tied with Battles (the only math rock band I've experienced) for most nods. I saw Of Montreal live for the first time at Pitchfork (Chicago) over the summer. BEST LIVE SHOW EVER. The performance had everything from costume changes, semi-nudity, props, to applesauce that was dyed blood red (which was passed around the crowd. It stained my bag horribly). I felt bad for the two little kids who were standing near me. They looked pretty traumatized when Kevin Barnes stripped down to leather undies and a leather lace-up bustier. I saw Of Montreal again in NYC at the Roseland Ballroom last month in October. I showed up to the venue about 15 minutes before doors open, thinking that I was early. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. Since the show was not 21+ or even 18+, all these high schoolers showed up hours early. The line was more than a block long, and it took me over 30 minutes to get inside. I didn't realize it was so cool to like Of Montreal.
"Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?" is one of the best albums of the past year. Granted, it is also one of the most depressing albums ever written. However, it's amazing, especially considering that Kevin Barnes pretty much recorded the entire thing by himself (vocals, instrumentals, and all).
Also, apparently, Of Montreal is on some new T-Mobile commercial. "Gronlandic Edit" is featured at the end. The song has also been used recently by Girl Talk (Gregg Gillis) and Trey Told 'Em, Gregg Gillis' project with Frank Musarra.
Enjoy.
Gronlandic Edit - Of Montreal
Requiem for O.M.M.2 - Of Montreal
Bunny Ain't No Kind Of Rider - Of Montreal
November 18, 2007
Covers of "Knife" by Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear is a Brooklyn-based band that I saw at Pitchfork Music Festival over the summer. Their single, "Knife," may be the most covered song in the indie music scene. Beirut covers it while drunk in Paris, which is pretty entertaining. Even a high school a cappella group covers the song. Hell, even Grizzly Bear does their own song a cappella on the streets of Paris in a La Blogotheque Takeaway Show.
So, who does "Knife" the best? Grizzly Bear? CSS? Beirut? You decide.
My favorite version of the song is Girl Talk's remix of "Knife" and Clipse's "Wamp Wamp." I saw Girl Talk perform the remix at Pitchfork Music Fest, and Grizzly Bear appeared onstage to sing their part! Video footage is below.
Knife (Girl Talk Remix) - Grizzly Bear feat. Clipse
Knife (Grizzly Bear Cover) - CSS
Knife - Grizzly Bear
November 12, 2007
Rogue Wave
I saw Rogue Wave at the Bowery Ballroom back on November 1. I'm reminded of the date because I'm horrendously sick right now and it all started after that concert. I should learn to dress more appropriately for the outside weather and not the indoors weather.
Anyway, Rogue Wave was my favorite band of Spring 2006, first started listening to them in 2003-2004 Rogue Wave put on a surprisingly entertaining show. To be honest, judging by the mellowness of their music, I didn't expect much out of watching them live. Also, I'm not the biggest fan of their new album, "Asleep at Heaven's Gate." But I was completely won over when Zach Rogue (the lead singer and guitarist) had us sing "California" acappella with him! He claimed that he hadn't performed the piece in a long time and would mess up the instrumentals. They played a long set, over two hours long. As expected, they covered most of their new album. But, they also brought back some old favorites from "Descended Like Vultures" and "Out of the Shadow." I was disappointed that they didn't perform "Love's Lost Guarantee" since it's one of my favorites, but "Kicking the Heart Out" almost made up for it.
If music is my lover, you are just a tease.
Setlist
Like I Needed
Lullaby
Every Moment
Sewn Up
Ghost
Christians in Black
Publish My Love
Chicago X 12
Eyes
Bird on a Wire
Lake Michigan
Harmonium
Cheaper than Therapy
Postage Stamp World
Kicking the Heart Out
Birds (Cover)
Lake Michigan - Rogue Wave
California - Rogue Wave
Like I Needed - Rogue Wave
Seconds (U2 Cover) - Rogue Wave
Love's Lost Guarantee - Rogue Wave
Kicking the Heart Out - Rogue Wave
November 10, 2007
Daft Punk, Justice, and Simian Mobile Disco
Three amazing European electronic music duos. What inspired this post? Over fall break, I read a review of Britney's new album in a newspaper (WSJ, I'm a huge nerd). Needless to say, the review was not pretty. But, the writer's analysis of the album caught my eye. He said, "The backing tracks are terrific -- they're largely shaped by European rock-influenced electronica via Daft Punk and their artistic offspring Justice..."
Congratulations, Daft Punk and Justice. You are now being ripped off by the mainstream. It's bad enough that Kanye sampled Daft Punk and ruined their music. Now Britney? I wouldn't complain if she still made decent music
Enjoy dancing in your chairs.
Daft Punk
Digital Love - Daft Punk
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk
Justice
D.A.N.C.E. - Justice
Lovestoned/I Think She Knows Remix - Justice
Simian Mobile Disco
I Believe - Simian Mobile Disco
Hustler - Simian Mobile Disco
November 7, 2007
Port O'Brien & Yeasayer
Last Thursday, I went to see Rogue Wave at the Bowery Ballroom. At the show, I discovered two great bands:
1. Port O'Brien
Rogue Wave's second opening act was Port O'Brien. Port O'Brien hails from Oakland, CA, also the home town of Rogue Wave. Confusingly enough, they spent the summer playing in Port O'Brien, Alaska. I'm sitting here right now, listening to a few of their songs and trying to find words to describe their sound. You have the raw, unapologetic energy of "I Woke Up Today." Then, you have the very Rogue Wave-esque "My Eyes Won't Shut." Finally, you have the folksy "Five and Dime." WHO THE HELL IS THIS BAND?? Find out for yourself.
I Woke Up Today
My Eyes Won't Shut
Five and Dime
2. Yeasayer
By far, Yeasayer is my favorite new discovery of this fall. They affirm the fact that amazing music continues to materialize out of Brooklyn, NY. I was turned onto Yeasayer by the most unexpected person that I met at the Rogue Wave concert. As a 40-something male from Corporate America, Jonathan may appear to be the least likely person you'd turn to for music suggestions. On the contrary, he frequents a lot of great shows (you can find him on blogspot as "Hipster Replacement") and, he highly recommended Yeasayer after seeing them during the CMJ 2007 Music Marathon.
When I got home after the concert, I immediately looked up Yeasayer's MySpace. And I was blown away. Some people say that Yeasayer channels bands such as TV on the Radio, Grizzly Bear, and Midlake. While I see some similarities, Yeasayer definitely holds its own and I would not be surprised by the emergence of a mass Yeasayer following.
2080
Final Path
Yes, I finally jumped on the blog wagon.
via Best Week Ever
Here, I will be posting music that is worth listening to.
To start, here is a song that explains the name of my blog. Art Brut is a British band that I saw at the Village Voice's Siren Music Festival in 2006. Despite the fact that the lead singer doesn't actually sing, Art Brut is quite entertaining to watch.
Formed a Band
If you didn't get it, the lyrics are "Formed a band, we formed a band, Look at us, we formed a band."
"Post Soothing Out" is a track from their most recent album, "It's a Bit Complicated." It's a song about the saddest text message ever sent. What could "post soothing out" really be? "Sort something out?"
Post Soothing Out
