Passion Pit will never play a venue this small ever again
Aaaaand, I'm back on the Passion Pit wagon. If you follow Look at me, I made a blog or I force you to listen to me talk about music, you may have noticed that I don't mention Passion Pit anymore. I started listening to them last July and audaciously declared them as "the next big thing" after seeing them at the first show of their Pianos residency. I went on to see them two more times last fall, including at the BrooklynVegan CMJ showcase and a packed, sold-out show at Glasslands Gallery. And, sometime after that, I started to lose interest. Their names and faces seemed to be everywhere, destined to meet a Vampire Weekend-like fate of irritating stardom, all without having released a proper debut album.
When this much hype surrounds a band that I like, I try to be cautiously optimistic about their forthcoming album. After hearing "The Reeling," the first single off Manners, I honestly wasn't that impressed. Sure, it's catchy and children's choirs seem to be the fad of the year (i.e. Grizzly Bear, Peter Bjorn & John), but it seemed almost overproduced and dragging in length towards the end. I still listened to it a lot, but it didn't have the viral charm of the Chunk of Change EP. Hearing "Little Secrets" over the weekend chased away my reservations about the new album, and now I can't wait to hear more of Manners. I can't really explain it, but the intro to "Little Secrets" is the most addicting 24 seconds I have heard in a very long time. Who knew that some simple synth lines with cowbell could be so dangerous? Just a rough estimate, but I believe I've listened to this one song for about four hours since Saturday. Before I'm even over "Little Secrets," Passion Pit released a new song yesterday that will also see heavy rotation on my playlists. Opening with strums that are reminiscent of the Beatles' "Across the Universe," "Moth's Wings" sounds unlike any other Passion Pit song thus far, especially with Angelakos refraining from reaching his upper vocal register. "Moth's Wings" is still very much a pop song, but it hints at songwriting skills beyond fun dance hits like "Sleepyhead."
So much for managing expectations. I'm counting down to the release of Manners on May 19. Does anyone have extra tickets to any of the Bowery shows? Shouldn't have snoozed.
Little Secrets - Passion Pit
Moth's Wings - Passion Pit
April 28, 2009
"Moth's Wings" & "Little Secrets" - Passion Pit
April 21, 2009
"DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake" - Art Brut
via Photopass
People always chuckle at the name of my blog, but few actually know that both the lengthy URL and name are based on an Art Brut song called “Formed a Band.” When I first saw Art Brut at the Village Voice’s Siren Music Festival in the summer of ’06, I had to admit that I was confused. Eddie Argos more or less spoke his hilarious lines, albeit with lots of fervor and energy. Art Brut may not be a band for everyone, but I’m glad that there is another round of catchy guitar hooks and unforgettably entertaining lyrics with the latest album, Art Brut vs. Satan.
As Art Brut takes us through our more busted moments in life, I can’t help but think that Eddie Argos is once again telling a story that we all know too well. In “Alcoholics Unanimous,” Eddie wakes up with a hangover and preemptively apologizes to his friends, via the same group text, for whatever he may have done the previous night. Sound familiar? Moving on, he wisely remarks that while life may be hard, certain "Peter Pan syndrome" things will always be great, like DC comics and chocolate milkshakes. But, “Passenger,” a song about public transportation, must have been written with me in mind. Confession: I don’t have my driver’s license nor can I really drive. But, as Eddie says, "I love public transportation. Train or bus, they're both amazing." Okay, maybe not so much once I start paying $103 for a monthly MTA pass. Maybe I should invest in a folding bicycle.
Art Brut vs. Satan is currently available for purchase. Art Brut has a 5-night residency at Mercury Lounge this June, and I will be attending on Thursday night. My dream is that Eddie Argos has seen this blog and speak-sings, “Made a blog, I made a blog! Look at me, I made a blog!” I like to dream big.
DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake - Art Brut
Formed a Band - Art Brut
Vampire Weekend - Columbia University 04.18.09
You either like Vampire Weekend or deplore them. Not just dislike them, but absolutely despise them. And, I can see how people can be turned off by what the band supposedly represents: money and privilege. The VW backlash is pretty complicated, but one thing is clear to me. VW has some very enjoyable pop songs, and you’re probably lying if you say that you don’t like “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” at all.
A year after VW’s debut album release show, I voluntarily trekked my way up to Morningside Heights for Columbia’s annual Bacchanal spring concert. Some of my favorite college memories (or lack thereof) are associated with the event, and my Avenue Q blues may have convinced me to take the 1 train up to 116th Street. Whatever the real reason may be, I found myself on Low Plaza on the first beautiful day of this spring. The steps of the library were already packed at 1:45 pm, over an hour before Vampire Weekend was scheduled to hit the stage. But before we knew it, the young alumns hit the stage, swigging water out of flask-like bottles.
VW opened with “White Sky,” and went on to play every song from their debut album. They’ve had a lot of time and practice to perfect the old tunes, and they’ve gotten really good at playing them. Their Paul Simon-inspired songs were most appropriate for dancing in the afternoon sun, and the band members surprisingly looked like they were having fun, even Rostam. All the guys seemed very gracious to play their alma mater again, and Ezra even gave a shout-out to Chromeo, who remixed “The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance.” While I think that VW is a fun outdoor listen, they seriously need some new songs. I’ve grown tired of listening to Ezra’s singing about a robot’s escape from Cape Cod to New Jersey and spilled kefir on keffiyehs. Ezra claimed that they’re currently working on a second album, but they weren’t ready to perform anything new. No pressure, Vampire Weekend. None at all.
In the past year or so, the VW hype has exploded to such ridiculous heights that it actually blows my mind. I couldn’t avoid them in magazines, on TV, or on the Internet, but the last place I expected to see or hear anything VW-related was during The Wrestler. But, there they were, staring me in the face. A poster for Vampire Weekend’s debut album was hanging in the living room of character Randy’s daughter. Yes, I was annoyed and sick of seeing them everywhere, but I can’t say that I hate their music. And for those of you who hate them without having heard any of their songs, you should probably try to form opinions of your own. While I have no qualms with people who objectively dislike VW’s music, it’s another thing to drink the communal haterade for the sake of riding the mainstream wave.
This leads me to two questions: Are we capable of liking music objectively? That is, can human beings evaluate bands purely based on the music and nothing else? SHOULD we judge music objectively? With the Vampire Weekend phenomenon, it seems like the answer to the former is that most of us do not blindly listen to music, especially when the band’s image is absolutely unavoidable. In the case of VW, I am simultaneously proud of VW’s success and embarrassed by their pretentiousness. They may represent a certain demographic at CU, but their world is one that my small-town Midwestern roots still do not understand, even after four years at that institution. Yet, I like their music. It's not life-changing, but it's more than listenable. Maybe I’m a VW fan because I started listening to them when they were on the cusp of MTV famedom. Whether or not I should judge them or anyone other band by their personalities and circumstances, I don’t know the answer to that one. But, let's try to focus on the music and not what they're wearing. And, yes, I do realize that I like a band that’s been on the Disney Channel.
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
Of Montreal- MHOW 04.17.09
via Music for Moodies' flickr photostream
I did say that I would stop seeing Of Montreal indoors after the Roseland Ballroom show last fall. But, when I saw that they were putting a series of smaller shows at Music Hall of Williamsburg, I couldn't resist but to give them another go. I'm glad I did, because this show was closer to the first time I'd seen them (Pitchfork '07), which I still consider to be one of the most entertaining performances I've ever experienced.
Fourth time's the charm, and Of Montreal definitely got it right this time. The smaller venue made a huge difference, and it was comfortably filled to capacity. Another plus for an aging concertgoer like me, the crowd was significantly less aggressive but still danced around as one should at an Of Montreal show. This time, the show didn't feel like a bad high school production. With toned down theatrics that were more than sufficient and psychedelic visuals on three screens, Of Montreal had found a way to bombard the audience's senses without overloading them. Since the last show, Skeletal Lamping had grown on me a bit, but it will still never measure up to the tremendous Hissing Fauna. Although I will always find "Gallery Piece" to be annoying beyond belief, I did like the new song that they played on Friday night. "Like a Tourist" already makes me excited for the next crazy thing that Kevin Barnes will whip up with the next album. You can listen to the song via nyctaper here.
This guy brought his own mask. I dig that.
via Music for Moodies' flickr photostream
Ever since I saw Janelle Monae open for Jamie Lidell's Summerstage show, I've been mesmerized by her futuristic music and persona. She's got crazy dance moves, and she painted a canvas while singing a song. Random, but sort of awesome. At first, the hipsters around us were a little confused by Janelle. But, it wasn't long before everyone was dancing along. The Of Montreal crowd tends to be very open-minded when it comes to insane stage antics, so this was the perfect audience for Janelle. Years in the making, Janelle joined Of Montreal onstage during the encore for a cover of David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream."
Of Montreal continues on their U.S. tour. Catch Janelle this summer at Bonnaroo.
Requiem for O.M.M.2 - Of Montreal
First Time High (Reconstructionist Remix of "An Eluardian Instance") - Of Montreal (Jon Brion Remix)
Violet Stars Happy Hunting! - Janelle Monae
April 20, 2009
"Song for John in D" - Kurt Vile
via Jonny Leather
Kurt Vile of The War on Drugs has been getting a lot of attention from me ever since I started listening to "Freeway" off Constant Hitmaker. While I listen to Constant Hitmaker during the day, Vile's latest LP has been the last thing that I put on before going to bed. I almost didn't end up with a copy of God is Saying This To You... due to a mishap at Insound where they accepted more pre-orders than there were physical records. Tsk, someone needs to brush up on supply chain management. Luckily, I cancelled my order and picked up a copy at Other Music before it sold out. Currently, my favorite listen off the LP is "Song for John in D." With its pensive, yet soothing picking melodies and dabbles of electric instruments, it's a song that could haunt dreams. And, considering that it's one of the last things that I listen to at night, it's quite possible that it's already lurking around in mine. Enjoy.
Song for John in D - Kurt Vile
Freeway - Kurt Vile
April 14, 2009
Real Estate - Pianos 04.11.09
Etienne totally pulls off the white Wayfarers
Escapism is the continuing theme here at Look at me, I made a blog, as I daydream of a different life, preferably one that includes a tropical vacation and an apartment with built-in closets. Another week has gone by, along with multiple failed attempts to find a new place to call home. As bummed as I may sound, I realized that I was making things worse by not making the time to see some bands. Maybe live music is an addiction for me, but it's one that I don't think I'll ever want to shake. So, for the sake of my well-being, I braved the LES on a Saturday night (aka Douchebag Central) to catch the beach-inspired Real Estate at Pianos with my friend Music for Moodies.
Highly recommended by Chocolate Bobka and featured by Stereogum and My Old Kentucky Blog, Real Estate has been on my list to check out. Hailing from the great New Jersey, Real Estate is a fairly new project of Martin Courtney, Alex Bleeker, Etienne Duguay (Predator Vision), and Matt Mondanile (Ducktails). According to them, they've only been playing together for about a year now, but they could have easily fooled me into thinking that they'd been a band for ages. Either I'd forgotten the potential of live performance, or the members of Real Estate are just really excellent musicians. They played a flawless set and completely blew me away. They breathed warmth and life into their lo-fi recordings, the same songs that didn't necessarily stick so much at first. Honestly, this is a band that is meant to be enjoyed live. While I felt myself getting lost in Real Estate's soothing vocals and infectious guitar riffs, I could almost smell the ocean and feel the cool salt-scented breeze. Like the line in "Beach Comber," vacation's all I want, but the sounds of Real Estate will do for now. Trust me, their transportive music makes up for their unGoogleable band name.
Real Estate plays Cake Shop this Friday and The Shank on Saturday. Be sure to grab their 7" which also comes with an endearingly homemade CD-R. You can order it here or pick it up at one of their shows. Can't wait for the full-length.
Beach Comber - Real Estate | Alternative Link
Old Folks - Real Estate | Alternative Link
April 4, 2009
"Taking the Farm" - The War on Drugs
via The Poverty Jet Set
Things have been a little quiet here at Look at me, I made a blog but for a good (non-musical) reason. My life has been consumed by a search for a new place to live. Time that I would normally commit to listening to music, seeing bands, or blogging about ear candy is now being devoted to obsessively refreshing Craigslist, stalking building owners, and hopping on the train to see amazing units that are only available for viewing during the week from 9-5 PM (WTF??). And, this may come as a shock to you, but I have yet to purchase an appropriate MP3 player. After my iPod broke down two years ago, I've been using this cute but near useless iPod shuffle, endearingly labeled, "come on feel the illinoise."
Yes, it's been stressful, but the little things, like this song, are getting me through it. I've been listening to a lot of Kurt Vile lately, and I read somewhere that he also plays in a Philadelphia-based band called The War on Drugs. A quick iTunes search later, I found myself listening to "Taking the Farm." It's amazing to me that this song had just been sitting in my library, and it's clear that I need something to help me discover the music I already have. But the tune couldn't have resurfaced at a better time, a perfect song for a spring or summer day. From the psychedelic effects to the clever, catchy lyrics, "Taking the Farm" is a song that invokes dreams of warm weather, carefree days of lying out in the sun. This reminds me of a couple sentences in the Fleet Foxes LP liner notes that read, "Music activates a certain mental freedom in a way that nothing else can, and that is so empowering. You can call it escapism if you like, but I see it as connecting to a deeper human feeling than found in the day-to-day world." So screw reality, turn on this song, and dream away as you please. I will be dreaming of listening to The War on Drugs in my new, yet to be found apartment.
Taking the Farm - The War on Drugs | Alternative Link
March 26, 2009
Micachu & the Shapes - Pianos 03.25.09
via Music Snobbery
It’s true that euphony cannot exist without dissonance, but sometimes noise, even when deliberate and carefully executed, is still just noise. I hadn’t completely bought into Micachu & the Shapes prior to seeing them at Pianos, but glowing reviews from the fathers of music blogging and my favorite person on Twitter convinced me to put aside my skepticism for a night. After last night, I think I’m in the camp of people who think Micachu is mostly hype, as much as I do enjoy some of their songs.
Perhaps I’m missing some glaring point, but I’m fairly confident that I “get” Micachu’s music. No note, yell, crash, or jangle is a mistake or slip; every piece is intentional. Seeing Micachu & the Shapes in person makes this meticulosity even more apparent. They confront chaos and embrace it fully, making for a one of a kind listen. In the end, my thoughts on Micachu come down to my personal preferences for musical styles and ideas. Last night at Pianos, I realized that about 80%+ of the music was rough discordance, which is not what I expected. Maybe because I’m drawn to the more melodic songs of Jewellery like “Golden Phone” and “Vulture,” I thought the set would be more along the lines of those songs. “Golden Phone” is an incredible song that is both fun to listen to and unlike anything I’ve heard before. It’s playful and like a musical riddle, as the song bounces around different degrees of consonance and dissonance. Most of the time, the lines between the two are blurred, which only makes the listener want to hit the back button in order to figure it out. But, when the melodic snippets were removed from Micachu’s music, I was left a little confused. It’s like a joke with no punchline. I needed more melody to balance out the noise. Judging by the faces around the room last night, I don’t think I was the only one who was a little puzzled.
So, I didn’t exactly like Micachu’s final show in NYC. But, don’t let this deter you from listening to Jewellery, since there are definitely some tracks worth checking out. I’m not ready to make abstract listening a regular activity, but kudos to those of you who do. For now, I will stick with my Grizzly Bears.
Jewellery will be officially released on April 7. Pre-order it here.
Golden Phone - Micachu & the Shapes | Alternative Link
Vulture - Micachu & the Shapes | Alternative Link
March 19, 2009
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
via Grizzly Bear Blog
I’ve been really torn about whether or not I should be writing this post so far in advance of Veckatimest’s official release date of May 26. But, now that a high-quality “Cheerleader” is available for legally free download, I feel like I’ve been given the green light. That being said, if you don’t give this album a listen, then you are missing out on one of the best albums of the year. I don’t want to spark a debate on whether Veckatimest is better than Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavillion (You can head over to the comments on Brooklynvegan or Stereogum for that entertainment), but this new Grizzly Bear album is particularly special to me because it’s made me reevaluate my thoughts on the way humans consume and pay for recorded music. Even if Veckatimest is not enlightening in that way for you, at the very least you will listen to some wonderful tunes.
Recently on Idolator, there was an article about how an initial reaction to music can be similar to the physical effects of love at first sight. I can’t think of a better way to describe my first reaction to Veckatimest than to say that I fell in love with it, as corny as that sounds. Even with the crappy quality of the leaked rip (that spurred a lot of douchebaggery on Twitter), I am confident in saying that I really really really like it. The album opens with “Southern Point,” such an explosive start that I could have repeatedly hit the back button for the next few days. Musically playful with interplay between the acoustic guitar and the other instruments, this song is just fun to listen to. Fun is a word that I don’t normally associate with Grizzly Bear. Beautiful, haunting, and heartbreaking are adjectives I would generally use to describe the band’s music. With the first song, Veckatimest is already changing everything that I thought I knew about the band. And, from there, the album continues to delight the senses, whether it’s with the soft harmonies of “Two Weeks” or Grizzly Bear’s signature hollow body guitar sounds in “While You Wait for the Others” and many other songs. And, thanks to this high-quality download of “Cheerleader,” legally available here, you can actually hear and appreciate the production on the album. If you’re a talented live band like Grizzly Bear, then the goal of production is to make recorded music sound as close to the real thing as possible. But, how do you capture the essence of a band in a recording?? ‘Tis a mystery that the talented Chris Taylor has solved, methinks.
Generally, Veckatimest is much sunnier and more poppy compared to previous Grizzly Bear albums. Compared to Yellow House, an album that I have grown to love, Veckatimest is much more of an immediate like. But, it has areas that take more time to appreciate, which makes for a rewarding listen. Basically, Veckatimest has the crisp first sips of Pepsi but the overall more satisfying drink of Coca-Cola. But, what makes this album and the band so good is their ability to invoke different images and emotions with their music. Maybe I’m alone in saying this, but I listened to Veckatimest with more than just my mind, all unintentionally. There is a certain musical je ne sais quoi to the album that just encourages me to let down my guard and get lost in the music. And, folks, this magical quality is the reason why I love music.
Yes, so you get that Veckatimest is a good album. But how has it changed the way I think about music consumption? Well, I first listened to this album in the same way that you probably did. I downloaded it and listened to it on my computer. While listening to the album, I talked to a couple friends online about the songs. Sound familiar? This is how I consume most new music, and you probably do too, whether you want to admit it or not. In the modern day, listening to and sharing recorded music has become too easy. What we've gained in convenience, we've lost in human interaction. When I was listening to Veckatimest for the first time, I wished that I could have shared that moment with someone in person. For me, a part of my music experience is the sharing of said experience. That's why I started this blog in the first place. But, writing things here is not the same as saying them in real-time. We still pack venues to see bands, so we can't all be lazy hermits. Still, I don't know anyone who still holds listening parties, besides the people who hosted them for the "unheard" Sufjan song. So, I have a proposition. Next time you plan on listening to an album in its entirety, invite some people over. Humanize sharing again. It doesn't even matter if you and the other people have all heard it before. I may even host a listening party in Brooklyn for Veckatimest if there's any interest...
Of course, everything I've said about the album up to here is all a premature evaluation since I haven't had a proper listen yet. I've decided to stop listening to the leaked rip, as much as I can help it, until I get the real thing on vinyl. That's right, I'm paying for music. And, I've decided to start buying vinyls of albums that I consider to be incredible so that I feel like I'm actually getting something of everlasting value when I pay for recorded music. Pre-order information for Veckatimest can be found here. It's worth it.
Post on Grizzly Bear's show at BAM with the Brooklyn Philharmonic here.
Grizzly Bear, see you at Pitchfork. Grizzly Bear play Town Hall on May 28 and May 29.
Cheerleader - Grizzly Bear
Two Weeks (Live @ Boston MFA 08.14.08) - Grizzly Bear | Alternative Link
While You Wait for the Others (Live on Morning Becomes Eclectic) - Grizzly Bear | Alternative Link
March 16, 2009
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Bell House 03.13.09
It took me awhile to correctly remember this band's name, so I surprised myself when I jumped on The Pains of Being Pure at Heart wagon last month. I didn't think that TPOBPAH was particularly amazing at first listen, but it turns out that they're more infectious than the This is Why You're Fat meme and way less gag-inducing.
For whatever reason, I really love starting and ending my weekend nights with TPOBPAH. I must be quite a sight, jamming on the street while walking home in the early hours of the morning, but I can't really stop myself. So, it only seemed appropriate that I kick off a weekend with a Pains show at one of my favorite venues, the Bell House. Riding the Pitchfork BNM wave, TPOBPAH packed the room with eager spectators, myself included. I expected a dancing-good time, and Pains absolutely delivered. Seriously, I don't understand how anyone could not have had fun at this show. Sure, the band wasn't always perfect on the technicals, but they make up for the lack of precision with irresistible songs like "The Tenure Itch" and "Everything With You." I really hadn't been giving TPOBPAH enough creative credit. Yes, some of their songs sound a little indistinguishable, but that's sort of the nature of their genre. After listening to the opening acts, I could see that shoegaze/dream pop is not as easy to execute as Pains make it sound. I only wish they had more songs because 30 minutes of TPOBPAH is not enough.
Like I said before, I can imagine listening to TPOBPAH during the middle of the day at an outdoors festival. Looks like we will be doing just that at Pitchfork Music Festival this July. And the July countdown begins...
The Tenure Itch - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart | Alternative Link
Everything With You - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart | Alternative Link
March 15, 2009
"Already Over" - Violens
via Sonic-Exposed
When David asked me if I had heard Violens, I replied with an immediate, "Of course." But, when I searched through my library, I realized that I actually had none of their music. Then, how the hell did I know the name Violens? It slowly dawned on me that I may have seen them perform before. Don't think that my lack of memory implies that they are not worth knowing, because I'm currently very addicted to a couple of Violens songs. One of these songs, "Already Over" is pretty much on permanent repeat because I can't get enough of it. Simple components like a moving bass line, reverby vocals, and light snare drum all come together in the most delightful way in the first verse. Less than a minute in, and I'm already completely won over.
Violens' self-titled EP is currently available for download on iTunes with a physical release on March 17. I tried to see them again last night, but a long door line deterred me. Epic fail.
Thanks to David for the reintroduction.
Already Over - Violens | Alternative Link
March 7, 2009
Handsome Furs - Mercury Lounge 03.06.09
via Modage's Flickr
A remedy for any case of the blues, Handsome Furs' forthcoming Face Control is an album that I've cranked up while walking around the city, especially very late at night. With his wife Alexei Perry, Dan Boeckner (of Wolf Parade) has created an irresistibly fun dance-rock album. I was pretty bummed about being thirty minutes too late in buying tickets to the sold-out show, but I managed to grab a pair via the miracle that is Mercury Lounge's Twitter. I'm so addicted to Twitter, for all the right reasons.
Sometimes after a long week, all you want to do on a Friday night is grab a few drinks and let your body move to the grooves. After standing through two opening acts, surprisingly good/appropriate (The Hundred in the Hands) and not-so-much (Iran sans Kyp Malone), Handsome Furs finally took the stage to start a much-needed dance party. For whatever reason, I had expected some sort of elaborate stage set-up with lots of gear. Because they really pack the punch on record, I just assumed that they performed with traveling back-up members. Instead, Handsome Furs is truly a duo both on and offstage. It was just Dan with his guitar and Alexei on synth/drum machine, and that was all I needed to hear.
Unsurprisingly, with the release of Face Control in just a few days, Handsome Furs played most of their new record, which four lucky winners of an impromptu trivia challenge received last night. Not only was the music perfect for dancing, the shoe-less Alexei was so energetic and fun to watch. I may have a new idol (Sorry, Karen O). And how does Dan make the guitar look so easy to play? Seriously, he makes it look completely effortless.
Although I've been living in New York for nearly five years now, I can never get over how much the crowd can suck sometimes. While I was dancing and having a good time, not many people within my (limited) range of vision were moving more than just their heads. Tragic, since the Handsome Furs show was one of the most fun ones I've been to in awhile. They definitely deserve a warm reception.
Face Control is officially available on March 10. Pre-order via Sub Pop here. It's great for personal dancing in your underwear...not that I would know.
Talking Hotel Arbat Blues - Handsome Furs | Alternative Link
All We Want, Baby, Is Everything - Handsome Furs | Alternative Link
"Spirited" - Laura Gibson
via Hush Records
If you're in New York, then you were lucky enough to awake to a beautiful spring morning today. Unfortunately, the sun is playing a game of hide and seek, but it's still warm enough to abandon your jackets and scarves. I was taking a leisurely stroll to the library earlier today when Laura Gibson's "Spirited" starting playing on my iPod. The gentle vocals, soft drums, and sparse guitar picking of the song seemed to perfectly complement the spring weather preview we're experiencing at the moment. On a day like this, I just want to slow down and appreciate the uncomplicated joys that life offers us. So, the minimalist song of Gibson immediately caught my ear. From Portland, Laura Gibson is a name that I've come across several times in the last month or so, but I had yet to listen to any of her music until this cosmic day. I haven't listened to her latest album Beasts of Seasons, but I hope the rest picks up from where "Spirited" ends.
Showers are in the forecast for tomorrow, so take advantage of this perfect Saturday before the spring forward.
Spirited - Laura Gibson | Alternative Link
March 1, 2009
Final Fantasy, Grizzly Bear - BAM 02.28.09
via willshu
Grizzly Bear and Final Fantasy with the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Enough said, I had to go to the show that seemed like years in the making. I'd seen both Final Fantasy and Grizzly Bear before, but not with an orchestra! I am not one to pass up on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially when it's related to music.
As I arrived a little late, the first song that I heard was "Horsetail Feathers," a song off Final Fantasy's Plays to Please that was originally recorded with an orchestra (Listen here). To my surprise (and dismay), Final Fantasy aka Owen Pallett was without his usual main instrument. Trading in his violin, he was behind an upright piano and an electric piano for this performance. Maybe because he was accompanied by fifteen violinists, there wasn't really a need for another one. Perhaps I missed him on violin for an earlier song. Can someone fill me in on what happened before "Horsetail Feathers?" Either way, Final Fantasy sounded fantastic with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, as was expected by the nature of his music, and he even previewed some of his new material. Surprise guests Aaron Dessner and Bryan Devendorf of The National also joined Owen onstage on bass and drums, respectively. Bootlegs from the set, including two new songs, are available here via One For The Good Days.
Although listening to Final Fantasy with an orchestra was an incredible experience, I couldn't help but think that I preferred seeing Owen perform with Matt Smith a few weeks earlier at the Kitchen. If you missed out on that, imagine seeing just Owen play the violin but hearing the fullness of a much larger ensemble. It's an illusion, not a trick, that fools your eyes and ears. You can read about that show here. So, if you were somehow not very impressed by Final Fantasy, I strongly suggest that you see one of his solo shows and listen to his entire discography in the meantime. He is a brilliant artist and his music never fails to move me in some way.
While I had a clear idea of what Final Fantasy would sound like with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, I didn't really know what to expect from Grizzly Bear's set. They played a show with the LA Philharmonic last year, but it seems like they played a set separate from the orchestra. With arrangements by film score prodigy Nico Muhly, the show was guaranteed to be good. What an understatement. Nico did a phenomenal job of creating arrangements that enhanced Grizzly Bear's music without reinterpreting it to a point where its integrity was compromised. The guys also had some fun and dug out songs that they didn't normally perform, and Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National made a couple appearances on the banjo and guitar throughout the night. One of the rare live songs, "Central and Remote," was one of my favorites of the night and one of the many songs that were complemented by the orchestra. For "Reprise," Daniel even brought out his banjo, which he said was a first for a Grizzly Bear show.
Whenever the orchestra rested for a song, I liked to watch the members watching the band. While most of the ensemble remained very composed, I caught one cellist tapping his bow to the beat (Hah!). Even when the orchestra did not play with Grizzly Bear, I never felt that there was a lacking depth of sound. Grizzly Bear didn't need an orchestra to put on a fantastic show, but it was a wonderful combination to experience, especially since we heard songs that they will unlikely play again unless they're with an orchestra. One thing to note was that they didn't perform "Knife," otherwise known as the perfect masochistic break-up song. Like Ed said in this interview with Pitchfork, Grizzly Bear seems to be tucking away the much-loved song, and tonight may have been the beginning of that end. But, that's okay with me, especially since they performed "Deep Blue Sea," my wish list song from last April.
Every time I see these guys, in whatever shape or form, I end up liking them even more. At this performance, I spent a lot of time watching the individual members of the band. Chris Bear never fails to entertain me, and I always enjoy watching him play the drums. He seems to play with restraint most of the time, until his hair goes flying around. But, even that is a bit restrained. Daniel Rossen always has the most serene look on his face when he sings, as if he were singing a lullaby. Chris Taylor has an essence that's been described as otherworldly. It's true, I sort of freeze whenever I see him. I once stood next to him during a Chairlift set, and I was distracted the entire time by the fact that I was standing next to Chris Taylor. The man plays so many instruments, he sings, and he has a list of production credits. Is there anything he doesn't do? And, there is Ed, the seemingly shy lead who never smiles at his own jokes. I'm pretty sure that Ed was wearing the same shirt from the last time I saw him. I'm not going to deny that he is my favorite person to follow on Twitter, and I love reading the Grizzly Bear blog. He's just so funny and witty!
The much-anticipated Veckatimest will be released on May 26. Of the set list below, "Ready, Able," "Two Weeks," "Dory," "While You Wait for the Others," and "Foreground" are all from the forthcoming album. I was obsessed with "While You Wait for the Others," but now "Ready, Able" may be my current favorite.
More on Final Fantasy here, Grizzly Bear here. Bootleg of the Grizzly Bear set posted on At Ease and can be found here (via You Ain't No Picasso). Great quality recordings of rare and new songs at One For The Good Days.
Pictures were prohibited and I managed to delete the one picture I had taken
Final Fantasy Setlist (via brooklynvegan comment)
None of You Will Ever See A Penny
Horsetail Feathers
Keep the Dog Quiet
Lewis Takes Action
Arctic Circle
He Poos Clouds
Midnight Directives/End of Time
Tryst with Mephistopheles
The CN Tower Belongs to the Dead (Many Ives Version)
Grizzly Bear Setlist
Easier
Central and Remote
Ready, Able
Two Weeks
Plans
Colorado
Reprise
Little Brother
Campfire
Dory
While You Wait for the Others
Foreground
-----------------------
Deep Blue Sea
He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)
Grizzly Bear encore Deep Blue Sea at BAM from lofi.tv on Vimeo.
This guy was ballsy. I could clearly see him taping this song, yet none of the BAM vultures were on him to make him stop.
The Butcher - Final Fantasy | Alternative Link
This Lamb Sells Condos - Final Fantasy | Alternative Link
Two Weeks (Live @ Boston MFA 08.14.08) - Grizzly Bear | Alternative Link
Easier - Grizzly Bear | Alternative Link
Head over to One For The Good Days for great quality recordings.
February 25, 2009
"You Were Young" - Giantess
via Giantess Myspace
If you can't get enough of Passion Pit, fear not because another Boston-based band is bringing you all the electro ear candy that you could possibly handle without exploding. Giantess comes recommended to me by the same friend who introduced me to Passion Pit last July. If you take a listen to "You Were Young," this recommendation will be unsurprising since I could imagine people easily mistaking this for a PP track. I did a little searching and turns out Ayad (synths) of PP produces the band. Mystery solved.
Beware, this song is extremely catchy. I didn't think too much of it at first, but then I was humming it at work today. It's kind of annoying that I can't get it out of my head. And, now I'm dancing in my chair. The best kind of dancing, of course.
Giantess' debut is expected to drop on Neon Gold next month. Hopefully, an upcoming NY show is in the works.
In other semi-related news, Neon Gold is raving about the upcoming Passion Pit LP. Hope it lives up to the hype.
You Were Young - Giantess | Alternative Link
February 21, 2009
"Everything Is Moving So Fast" - Great Lake Swimmers
via Aquarium Drunkard
My current living situation has become so unbearable that I almost dread waking up in the morning. But, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and a certain new Great Lake Swimmers song has been coaxing me out of bed. Premiered by You Ain't No Picasso earlier this week, "Everything Is Moving So Fast" is a free mp3 off Lost Channels, Great Lake Swimmers' upcoming follow-up to Ongiara. To be honest, I wasn't too enthralled by "Pulling on a Line," the first single off Lost Channels. I was expecting something more along the lines of "Your Rocky Spine," which is a song that I immediately liked and played constantly. But, this new track makes me excited for the rest of Lost Channels, and it puts a smile on my face in the morning. The perfect, serene start to any day. Take a listen and feel soothed.
Lost Channels is due on March 31. Great Lake Swimmers return to New York on April 16. Catch them at Bowery Ballroom.
Everything Is Moving So Fast - Great Lake Swimmers (via You Ain't No Picasso)
Your Rocky Spine - Great Lake Swimmers | Alternative Link
February 20, 2009
"Creekmouth" & "Thanksgiving Moon" - DM Stith
via Lost At E Minor
In an Ambien-induced stupor a few nights ago, I came across the most appropriate album for my mood. One of the Asthmatic Kitty family members, DM Stith first emerged as a My Brightest Diamond collaborator. Although he still collabs with his labelmates and most recently contributed back-up vocals to Sufjan and Buck 65's "Blood, Pt 2" off Dark Was The Night, David Stith is releasing his first full-length album, Heavy Ghost, on March 10.
While "Pity Dance" was my introduction to the album, the eerie "Creekmouth" was the track that really drew me to listen to Heavy Ghost in its entirety. The song is spooky in an oddly spiritual and tribal way, and the rest of the album continues in this manner. Another favorite of mine, "Thanksgiving Moon" is a song that personally speaks to me since I'm going through something that most people refer to as a quarter-life crisis. I just rolled my eyes at myself, but you get the idea. While the opening lyrics are somewhat hopeful, the minor key and melancholy vocals reveal the conflicting duality of the piece. It's a stunning piece that haunts me every time I take a listen. A demo version of the song is available on DM Stith's official website here.
Although my writer's block is prohibiting me from communicating how much I enjoy this album, I'm pretty confident that DM Stith's Heavy Ghost will end up on my list of top albums of 2009. I hope I don't have to eat these words in December.
Heavy Ghost is available for pre-order. If you're in the NY area, catch DM Stith with Pterodactyl at Cake Shop on February 27.
Creekmouth - DM Stith | Alternative Link
Thanksgiving Moon - DM Stith | Alternative Link
And, if you're curious, you can read the official album press release for extensive lyrical and musical context.
February 11, 2009
"The Lonely Man of Winter" - Sufjan Stevens
via Brooklyn Based
On January 28, I read something on Brooklyn Based that literally made my heart skip a beat. Over a year ago, Alec Duffy of Hoi Polloi received exclusive rights to "The Lonely Man of Winter" for winning Sufjan's Xmas Xchange with an original song that you can listen to here. After holding onto the song for a year, Alec decided to host listening sessions every Wednesday for about a month. With three sessions a night, each limited to four listeners, Alec truly intended to create an meaningful experience for those who were able to attend. Promises of tea, cookies, and a virtually unheard Sufjan Stevens song were more than enough motivation for me to shoot an email to Alec.
As I entered Alec's home in Prospect Heights, I was immediately greeted by co-host Dave Malloy, the musical director of Hoi Polloi. I was the last to arrive of the group, as everyone was already situated in chairs and couches with mugs of tea. We all introduced ourselves and talked about how we became fans of Sufjan Stevens. Of course, we had different backgrounds, but we came together by chance to hear Sufjan's "The Lonely Man of Winter." After some convo, Dave and Alec set us up with some headphones so that we could listen to the now famous (or infamous) song.
Immediately, the looped guitar intro of "The Lonely Man of Winter" sent chills down my spine. I could almost imagine him building the loops by himself to produce the song. Because I generally prefer the more somber Sufjan pieces like "Casimir Pulaski Day," the melancholy lyrics of this holiday song seemed to deliberately cater to my tastes. The song ended with a beautifully haunting piano coda, reminding me of my recent reconnection with the instrument. Clocking in at 3:11, "The Lonely Man of Winter" ended before I knew it. After hearing it one more time, I'd say that it's one of Sufjan's best Xmas songs. In fact, "The Lonely Man of Winter" is a track that could stand on its own on any Sufjan album, not limited to just his yearly holiday albums. Sadly, I can barely remember the song now. Alas, some beauty is meant to be transient.
Even after Alec fulfilled his end of the bargain, the small group continued to linger a little longer. But, with the group picture taken and the guestbook signed, we knew that it was time to depart. Maureen, one of the attendees, said that she really enjoyed what Alec and Dave were doing with the small listening parties because they humanized the act of sharing. It's true that with the digital age, connections and relationships have become rather impersonal. I am guilty of this, since I hardly ever pick up the phone and prefer communication via text or email. While some people are upset with this method of distribution, I really appreciated listening to a new song in this manner. Alec and Dave created an environment for a unique experience: connecting with a small group of strangers over a common interest. Let's be honest. If this song had been readily available on the Internet, I would have downloaded it, listened to it once or twice, and then it would have been added to my exponentially growing iTunes library. I download something like at least four albums a day plus at least fifteen other songs. Because I go through so much music, I'm no longer able to keep up with how I discovered certain songs and artists, which is rather sad since I like having background stories.
Thank you, Alec and Dave. I hope to hear this song again in some shape or form, because it is too good to be kept "unheard" forever. Also, thank you for introducing me to strangers who informed me of "secret" bars and possibly illegal sushi joints in Brooklyn, all très important info since I'm moving across the bridge in a couple months.
Casimir Pulaski Day (demo) - Sufjan Stevens | Alternative Link
By the way, this is a real holiday in Illinois. I wish I could still get a day off for it.
February 8, 2009
Nodzzz, Wavves - Underground Lounge 02.08.09
Wavves @ Less Artists, More Condos
via .
Nodzzz @ Underground Lounge
Morningside Heights is probably one of the last places I would voluntarily trek to on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, but I happily returned to my old stomping grounds today to check out Nodzzz and Wavves. WBAR has been keeping the kids cool with acts like Crystal Stilts, Fujiya & Miyagi, and Telepathe over the last couple years, so I wasn't surprised when they came together with Todd P to bring some of the most anticipated acts of late. I'd never been to Underground Lounge during the day, nor had I ever ventured away from the front bar area, but somehow it made sense to me that the "performance space" was more like a dark corner in someone's exposed-brick basement. The small raised stage could barely support a drum set and some amps, and the room was more than cozy. Basically, it was a perfect place to listen to some Californian garage pop/punk bands during the daytime.
Usually, lo-fi/garage pop tends to be a hit-or-miss for me, but Nodzzz is exactly what I needed to get over my endless winter blues. Their music makes me want to skip and jump outside, which I would never do under any circumstance. I don't really get it, because I don't think they're particularly good in the traditional musical sense. But their lack of musical precision is exactly the reason why I can't stop listening to them. And, I always enjoy half-serious lyrics. With songs that were mostly under the two-minute mark, Nodzzz delivered controlled doses of their catchiness. I would love to see this band again somewhere outdoors.
Of the acts that I caught, Wavves was probably the most hyped one. Nyctaper said that Wavves had found fame on the Internet, and to a certain extent, it's true. You can't click through the major music websites and blogs without some mention of the Wavves buzz. While he's 22, Wavves aka Nathan Williams looks like a young child prodigy of some sort. As I was waiting for him and his drummer, Ryan Ulsh, to set up, I overheard some students talk about how much they admired Nathan's genius and how Wavves made them think, "Dude, I just want to make some experimental music." Roll eyes. As a live act, Wavves was far less distorted than he is on record, and he sounded more like straight garage punk. I don't know if this is the case at all his shows, but don't take this as a complaint. The sound was still ear-ringingly loud, and the music was just as fun. Creating fun in a cramped, warm basement with no air circulation is no ordinary feat, but Wavves did it. No surprises that Wavvves, which will officially drop in March, is already making some preliminary Top of 2009 lists. Personally, Wavves hasn't given me any musical revelations (and some of you will fiercely disagree with this), but I can't help but enjoy listening to the songs, either recorded or live. If anything, Wavves has made me think that noise can be done in a way that's listenable and not too abrasive.
How was Blank Dogs? I left before they got on.
Losing My Accent - Nodzzz
So Bored - Wavves
Pre-order Wavvves here.
Ffiinnaall Ffaannttaassyy - The Kitchen 02.07.09
via brooklynvegan from Friday's show. Owen wore a bright yellow shirt on Saturday.
Last night, Owen Pallett aka Final Fantasy and Matt Smith played the last of three shows as Ffiinnaall Ffaannttaassyy. Even if you've never heard of his pseudonym, it's likely that you're still familiar with Owen's other work. A go-to for string arrangements, Owen has worked (and at times toured) with Arcade Fire, Beirut, Grizzly Bear, and The Last Shadow Puppets. But, it is his work under Final Fantasy that really defines him as a must-listen.
As the program described, Owen Pallett and Matt Smith created more dissonant and abstract versions of Final Fantasy's music through some improvisation. With Matt, a Toronto-based musician and composer, Final Fantasy performed music that I could barely believe with my own eyes and ears. For one, Owen is a tremendous vocalist, and his tone was never compromised by whatever complex things he was doing on violin. During the show, I remember thinking to myself, "Is that REALLY his voice? Or is he pulling a Jennifer Hudson at the Super Bowl?" Nope, last night was all real-time, which was clear when Owen made a little slip-up while setting up a loop for "The Great Elsewhere." Behind a table of equipment, Matt Smith manipulated Owen's violin-playing and used samples to make the audience believe that a quartet, or even an orchestra, was performing onstage. It is quite strange when your eyes tell you that what you're hearing just cannot be, but that was the beauty of this show. I have no idea what Matt was doing, but I would really appreciate an explanation for I am very curious about his wizardry.
An experimental performance space, The Kitchen allowed for a unique stage set-up. If you take a look at the pictures on brooklynvegan, you'll see that audience members were invited to move around the stage to experience how the sound changed from location to location. Owen enticed people with organic fuji apples from Chelsea Market, and the opportunity to get up-close and personal with Ffiinnaall Ffaannttaassyy. He also invited offers for his clothes, but people refrained from going there.
Final Fantasy performs with the Brooklyn Philharmonic at a joint show with Grizzly Bear on February 28. Brooklynvegan is under the impression that Owen intends to exclusively perform with orchestras in the future. As much as I am excited to hear Spectrum, 14th Century and Plays to Please with a full backing ensemble, I hope Owen does not abandon his solo shows. He didn't insinuate said intention last night, and the program seemed to imply that Ffiinnaall Ffaannttaassyy (Owen and Matt) will be releasing the forthcoming Heartland, the full-length follow-up to Final Fantasy's last album. So, I'm hopeful that people will have the opportunity to see this duo in its current incarnation.
Friday's setlist is below. I believe it was the same for Saturday, but please correct me if I'm wrong.
Setlist (via brooklynvegan)
Random fact: Final Fantasy's last album, He Poos Clouds, is "a satirical song cycle based on the eight schools of magic according to Dungeons and Dragons."
Song Song Song - Final Fantasy
Hey Dad! - Final Fantasy (with Zach Condon of Beirut)
