Awkward models dancing alert!
Raquel Zimmerman and my favorite model-turn-musician Karen Elson (along with two male models) show off some serious dance moves in a recently posted look-book video for Lanvin.
I will say, I think Karen's a bit more committed to the moves than Raquel (step it up, girl!) Watch to the end and you get to see house designre Alber Elbaz showing off his own awkward dance moves.
I am seriously loving this!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
New Music Tuesday - 08/30/2011
Beirut - The Rip Tide
This one got a digital release at the beginning of the month, but the physical version just got released today (that means record store trip after work!) This release, coming almost exactly four years after The Flying Cup Club, is a bit of a departure for the band. The basic Euro-folk aspect is still there, but there's a bit more instrumentation and exploration. Some reviews seem to lament that the band is still so tied to their folk roots, but I don't really know what Beirut would be without that. Either way, this is a great album and strong contender for my year-end faves!
"East Harlem"
Blood Orange - Coastal Grooves
Dev Hynes has been a bit of a chameleon since his first album, For Screening Purposes Only, by his first band, Test Icicles. That band had somewhat of a dance-punk vibe to them. From there, he released two solo albums under the name Lightspeed Champion, which saw him flexing a more pop-folk vein. Blood Orange is another solo project. He released two singles earlier this year that had a decidedly R&B edge to them, which is presumably the sound that this album will have. Sometimes I feel that this guy plays around too much with genres to be truly great at any of them, but the first two singles for this album very pretty enjoyable, so I hope that holds true for the album as a whole.
"Dinner"
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Lenses Alien
Sigh, do we really need another band paying homage to early-90s indie rock bands like Pavement, Spiritualized and Built to Spill? Yes, yes we do, because this band is amazing! I honestly only checked them out because I thought their name (and original album artwork) was amazing, but what I heard was even better. The original artwork was done in homage to an artist, who didn't like the way it turned out, so they changed it out of respect to the artist, so I guess I can appreciate the sentiment even if the new art is a lot less exciting.
"Plainclothes"
Male Bonding - Endless Now
Another band with a strong throwback vibe. They released an album just over a year ago that had a more surf rock (Wavves-esque) sound to it, which is strange, considering they're a British band. On this release, the sound is a bit more mature. It's short and sweet, but still a fun album overall.
"What's That Scene"
Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
I'm cautiously excited about this. I loved Red Hot Chili Peppers around the time Californicationcame out, but have since decided that Blood Sugar Sex Magik was my favorite. I didn't dislike By the Way, but wasn't crazy about Stadium Arcadium. They've lost the amazing guitarist John Frusciante, which will definitely change their sound a lot. I just can't shake the feeling that, as they've gotten older, they've just gotten boring...
"Monarchy of Roses"
This one got a digital release at the beginning of the month, but the physical version just got released today (that means record store trip after work!) This release, coming almost exactly four years after The Flying Cup Club, is a bit of a departure for the band. The basic Euro-folk aspect is still there, but there's a bit more instrumentation and exploration. Some reviews seem to lament that the band is still so tied to their folk roots, but I don't really know what Beirut would be without that. Either way, this is a great album and strong contender for my year-end faves!
"East Harlem"
Blood Orange - Coastal Grooves
Dev Hynes has been a bit of a chameleon since his first album, For Screening Purposes Only, by his first band, Test Icicles. That band had somewhat of a dance-punk vibe to them. From there, he released two solo albums under the name Lightspeed Champion, which saw him flexing a more pop-folk vein. Blood Orange is another solo project. He released two singles earlier this year that had a decidedly R&B edge to them, which is presumably the sound that this album will have. Sometimes I feel that this guy plays around too much with genres to be truly great at any of them, but the first two singles for this album very pretty enjoyable, so I hope that holds true for the album as a whole.
"Dinner"
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Lenses Alien
Sigh, do we really need another band paying homage to early-90s indie rock bands like Pavement, Spiritualized and Built to Spill? Yes, yes we do, because this band is amazing! I honestly only checked them out because I thought their name (and original album artwork) was amazing, but what I heard was even better. The original artwork was done in homage to an artist, who didn't like the way it turned out, so they changed it out of respect to the artist, so I guess I can appreciate the sentiment even if the new art is a lot less exciting.
"Plainclothes"
Male Bonding - Endless Now
Another band with a strong throwback vibe. They released an album just over a year ago that had a more surf rock (Wavves-esque) sound to it, which is strange, considering they're a British band. On this release, the sound is a bit more mature. It's short and sweet, but still a fun album overall.
"What's That Scene"
Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
I'm cautiously excited about this. I loved Red Hot Chili Peppers around the time Californicationcame out, but have since decided that Blood Sugar Sex Magik was my favorite. I didn't dislike By the Way, but wasn't crazy about Stadium Arcadium. They've lost the amazing guitarist John Frusciante, which will definitely change their sound a lot. I just can't shake the feeling that, as they've gotten older, they've just gotten boring...
"Monarchy of Roses"
Monday, August 29, 2011
I can't believe I watched the (almost) whole thing
Call me crazy, but I decided to watch the telecast of last night's Video Music Awards. I watched mainly in hopes that The Black Keys would win best rock video for "Howlin' for You" (they didn't), but also out of morbid curiosity for what passes as "music" these days.
Let's just say that I'm pretty happy with my decision to stay away from most popular music. I watched most of the show on mute, so I really only have the visual to go off in most cases.
I watched the pre-show (muting during the "musical" performance by some band I've never heard of and never hope to again). The pre-show for these types of things are fun, especially seeing what kind of costumes outfits people show up in. Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry did not disappoint, although both delivered a jumbled mess of WTF???
One thing that really, really annoyed me in the pre-show was the declaration of Foster the People as the indie rock "poster children." While I'm not one of those people who hates whatever is "mainstream," when your first release reaches into the top ten overall Billboard songs chart, you've lost the right to be indie rock posterboys.
Anyways, onto the show itself. Lady Gaga opened doing her best Bob Dylan (I guess trying to copy Madonna didn't work out for her, so she went for the next best thing?) Honestly, I had the TV on mute here, all I know is that she appeared to be giving some sort of monologue (which I later found out was about...dating Lady Gaga) then started singing one of her songs.
The rock video award went out pretty early in the night, which I was pretty thankful for. Unfortunately, it went to the Foo Fighters, who I have nothing against, I just love The Black Keys too much; better than Foster the People, I guess.
I watched about half the show from there on. Muted performances included; Chris Brown flying (why do we still care about this gf-beater?), Britney Spears song playing behind her "Lifetime Achievement Award" (she's 29...WTF?), all of Jessie J and a few others things I wasn't even paying attention to.
The only show of actual talent during the show was Adele, who I will admit to absolutely loving. I'm not too crazy about her new album compared to her debut, but it's still lightyears better than most of what's out there. It's also refreshing to see a pop star who's not over-reliant on costumes, boobage or bright lights and pretty colors.
Anything I really know about the awards show came later: apparently Beyonce is pregnant, Jay-Z didn't clap for Chris Brown (good for him - Jay-Z that is) and Tyler, the Creator is strangely humble...who knew.
Much as I usually hate myself for it during and soon after, I'm starting to appreciate exposing myself to these things, if only to see when (or if) actual talent gets recognized!
By the way, one thing I love seeing is the musicians and performers lash out at MTV for their lack of actual music programming. The first was Adam Levine (who really isn't in much of a place to say anything), who said yesterday, "the VMA's. one day a year when MTV pretends to still care about music. I'm drawing a line in the sand. f*** you VMA's."
Even better was Bon Iver, who had this to say, "I don't mean to criticize. Anyone. Actually. Except for MTV. You might have had a very large opportunity to be stabilize (sic) your self as a global presence of culture and art about 15 years ago and you f***ed the dog. Sorry."
So true, both of them. The best reaction to the VMAs overall, however, was summed up in 7 short seconds.
Let's just say that I'm pretty happy with my decision to stay away from most popular music. I watched most of the show on mute, so I really only have the visual to go off in most cases.
I watched the pre-show (muting during the "musical" performance by some band I've never heard of and never hope to again). The pre-show for these types of things are fun, especially seeing what kind of
One thing that really, really annoyed me in the pre-show was the declaration of Foster the People as the indie rock "poster children." While I'm not one of those people who hates whatever is "mainstream," when your first release reaches into the top ten overall Billboard songs chart, you've lost the right to be indie rock posterboys.
Anyways, onto the show itself. Lady Gaga opened doing her best Bob Dylan (I guess trying to copy Madonna didn't work out for her, so she went for the next best thing?) Honestly, I had the TV on mute here, all I know is that she appeared to be giving some sort of monologue (which I later found out was about...dating Lady Gaga) then started singing one of her songs.
The rock video award went out pretty early in the night, which I was pretty thankful for. Unfortunately, it went to the Foo Fighters, who I have nothing against, I just love The Black Keys too much; better than Foster the People, I guess.
I watched about half the show from there on. Muted performances included; Chris Brown flying (why do we still care about this gf-beater?), Britney Spears song playing behind her "Lifetime Achievement Award" (she's 29...WTF?), all of Jessie J and a few others things I wasn't even paying attention to.
The only show of actual talent during the show was Adele, who I will admit to absolutely loving. I'm not too crazy about her new album compared to her debut, but it's still lightyears better than most of what's out there. It's also refreshing to see a pop star who's not over-reliant on costumes, boobage or bright lights and pretty colors.
Anything I really know about the awards show came later: apparently Beyonce is pregnant, Jay-Z didn't clap for Chris Brown (good for him - Jay-Z that is) and Tyler, the Creator is strangely humble...who knew.
Much as I usually hate myself for it during and soon after, I'm starting to appreciate exposing myself to these things, if only to see when (or if) actual talent gets recognized!
By the way, one thing I love seeing is the musicians and performers lash out at MTV for their lack of actual music programming. The first was Adam Levine (who really isn't in much of a place to say anything), who said yesterday, "the VMA's. one day a year when MTV pretends to still care about music. I'm drawing a line in the sand. f*** you VMA's."
Even better was Bon Iver, who had this to say, "I don't mean to criticize. Anyone. Actually. Except for MTV. You might have had a very large opportunity to be stabilize (sic) your self as a global presence of culture and art about 15 years ago and you f***ed the dog. Sorry."
So true, both of them. The best reaction to the VMAs overall, however, was summed up in 7 short seconds.
Project Runway: Hipster Style
I'm a bit lazy/slow lately; this post is about a designer on Project Runway that actually left a few weeks ago, but I had wanted to write about her, so I'll do it anyway!
The designer was Fallene Wells, a self-taught (she was a hair stylist, not a designer, before the show) 29-year Coloradan with a definite hipster (or we could just say quirky) turn to both her personal style and what she put down the runway. Before the show, she claimed to be inspired by Zoe Deschanel, the actress known for her indie vibe and cutesy style (I would call her the poster child of quirkiness, but apparently she hates that).
Unfortunately, despite an actually fairly well-executed show of more "indie" apparel in her pre-show lookbook, her appearance on the show was quite lackluster.
Her first look was pretty good, though I'm sure most people could have lived without the puking clown.
The designer was Fallene Wells, a self-taught (she was a hair stylist, not a designer, before the show) 29-year Coloradan with a definite hipster (or we could just say quirky) turn to both her personal style and what she put down the runway. Before the show, she claimed to be inspired by Zoe Deschanel, the actress known for her indie vibe and cutesy style (I would call her the poster child of quirkiness, but apparently she hates that).
Unfortunately, despite an actually fairly well-executed show of more "indie" apparel in her pre-show lookbook, her appearance on the show was quite lackluster.
Her first look was pretty good, though I'm sure most people could have lived without the puking clown.
The next week was the "unconventional" challenge (the designers shopped at a pet store). Normally, this should be the stellar week for "indie" or crafty designers. While, I liked the idea of Fallene using plastic aquarium plants for the skirt, it just came out bad.
The next episode was team challenge (she was paired with a designer named Bryce) to design for stilt-walkers (yeah...PR gets all kinds of weird). Unfortunately, her lack of sewing skills hurt the team. She was supposed to make the outfits bodice, but couldn't cut on the bias, so it was completely scrapped. The end result was a boring black tutu with her only contribution being the headpiece (which was actually the only thing any of the judges praised).
The next closest designer to really having a hipster edge to her was Danielle Everine, but she turned out to be just as lackluster and left the next episode. I guess Becky Ross is left, but I really question her aesthetic.
Oh well, next season, I guess!
Oh well, next season, I guess!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Congratulations Sofia Coppola & Thomas Mars!
With the barrage of "celebrity" weddings this summer that I couldn't give two craps about (Kim, I'm looking at you), it's nice to hear about the nuptials of two extraordinarily talented people. This past weekend, director Sofia Coppola married her longtime boyfriend, Thomas Mars, lead singer of the French band Phoenix.
I wish them the best! And, given that they didn't turn their ceremony into a media circus, I have faith that their relationship and real and lasting!
I wish them the best! And, given that they didn't turn their ceremony into a media circus, I have faith that their relationship and real and lasting!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Adding David Foster Wallace to my reading list
The Decemberists have released a video for "Calamity Song" from their latest album The King is Dead. The spot shows a group of teenagers engaged in an epic tennis match/World War 3.
The video is inspired by the late David Foster Wallace's novel Infinite Jest.
The video is inspired by the late David Foster Wallace's novel Infinite Jest.
Get ready for the hurricane
Perusing the web today, I found this fun little chart detailing how the world usually preps for an impending hurricane and how New Yorkers are prepping for the storm. To me, however, it seems less like New Yorkers in general and a bit more like residents of Williamsburg, Brooklyn might prepare (you know the type). Although, I'd guess you'd have to substitute American Spirits for cigarettes!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Annie Clarke gets buried alive
In just a couple of weeks, September 13 to be exact, St. Vincent (real name: Annie Clark) will be releasing her third studio album and I cannot wait! The first video from the album is out. It features the singer getting kidnapped by a family apparently in need of a mother. I guess Ms. Clark doesn't work out for them all that well!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Match made in heaven
Collaborations can be tricky business. It seems like one part tends to lose what they bring to the table or the result is so different from both artists to make the collaboration not really worth the names attached. This one, from Bon Iver and James Blake, works perfectly. While the two have a similar style, I definitely wouldn't put them in the same boat. However, the song, "Fall Creek Boys Choir" sounds like both of them, without sounding jumbled or as though one's song was played over the other. I feel as though you could remove Bon Iver's stuff and have something that sounds distinctively James Blake; or remove James Blake's stuff and have something that is quintessential Bon Iver.
Let's just say...chills.
Let's just say...chills.
The Fearless Mr. Gosling
An amazing video has been making the rounds on the Internet over the past few days. It features hottie, actor and occasional musician Ryan Gosling breaking up a random street fight in New York.
Well, this just makes me love the guy more!
Already, some are calling for Gosling to take Chuck Norris' throne at the subject of "don't mess with him" jokes. My favorite: "There used to be a street named Ryan Gosling but they had to change it's name because no one crosses Ryan Gosling and lives."
Swoon!
Well, this just makes me love the guy more!
Already, some are calling for Gosling to take Chuck Norris' throne at the subject of "don't mess with him" jokes. My favorite: "There used to be a street named Ryan Gosling but they had to change it's name because no one crosses Ryan Gosling and lives."
Swoon!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
New Music Tuesday - 08/23/2011
CSS - La Liberción
They became somewhat known for their song "Music is My Boyfriend," which was used in an iPod commercial a few years, although I would suspect most people would recognize the song sooner that the band's name. CSS (short for Cansei de ser Sexy or Tired of Being Sexy - aren't we all) has released far more infectious, fun electropop. The new album is no exception, having had the chance to preview it at SPIN's website.
"Hits Me Like a Rock"
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - Mirror Traffic
This album is already being hailed as a return to form for this former Pavement frontman. I'm still new to the Pavement wagon, though I just realized I listened to the song "Cut Your Hair" far more than I realized as a child (thanks to MTV). I can safely say I'm a big fan of Pavement and, based on what I've heard so far, of Malkmus' solo work as well.
"No One Is (As I Are Be)"
They became somewhat known for their song "Music is My Boyfriend," which was used in an iPod commercial a few years, although I would suspect most people would recognize the song sooner that the band's name. CSS (short for Cansei de ser Sexy or Tired of Being Sexy - aren't we all) has released far more infectious, fun electropop. The new album is no exception, having had the chance to preview it at SPIN's website.
"Hits Me Like a Rock"
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - Mirror Traffic
This album is already being hailed as a return to form for this former Pavement frontman. I'm still new to the Pavement wagon, though I just realized I listened to the song "Cut Your Hair" far more than I realized as a child (thanks to MTV). I can safely say I'm a big fan of Pavement and, based on what I've heard so far, of Malkmus' solo work as well.
"No One Is (As I Are Be)"
RIP: Nick Ashford & Jerry Leiber
The world lost not one, but two, iconic songwriters yesterday. Nick Ashford, of the songwriting team Ashford & Simpson, and Jerry Leiber both lost battles to disease in the past few days.
Nick Ashford was known for penning many R&B/disco classics with his partner Valerie Simpson, including "Solid as a Rock", "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", among many others. He died late last night from throat cancer, he was 69.
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" as performed by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Jerry Leiber wrote many early rock 'n roll classics, he also had a songwriting partner, Mike Stoller. Together, they wrote "Love Potion No. 9", "Stand By Me" and "Jailhouse Rock", as well as many many other classics. He passed away after a short battle with cardiopulmonary failure, he was 78.
"Love Potion No. 9" as performed by The Searchers
Nick Ashford was known for penning many R&B/disco classics with his partner Valerie Simpson, including "Solid as a Rock", "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", among many others. He died late last night from throat cancer, he was 69.
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" as performed by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Jerry Leiber wrote many early rock 'n roll classics, he also had a songwriting partner, Mike Stoller. Together, they wrote "Love Potion No. 9", "Stand By Me" and "Jailhouse Rock", as well as many many other classics. He passed away after a short battle with cardiopulmonary failure, he was 78.
"Love Potion No. 9" as performed by The Searchers
Friday, August 19, 2011
Neko Case & My Morning Jacket cover Tom Petty & Stevie Nicks
I mentioned in yesterday's post that I was entering the My Morning Jacket concert right around the time they performed "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" with Neko Case.
The video of that performance has been posted online! Watch it below, along with the original song. Enjoy!
The video of that performance has been posted online! Watch it below, along with the original song. Enjoy!
20 years later: Nevermind
This month's issue of Spin Magazine is a nearly full issue tribute to Nirvana's album Nevermind. Come September 24, it will have been 20 years since the iconic album was first released. Spin has used this issue to pay tribute to the album and to the band.
Much of the tribute consists of musings from various members of the entertainment world on what the album means to them. Interviewees include musical contemporaries (Sleater-Kinney's Carrie Brownstein, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder), industry figures (manager Danny Goldberg, Sub Pop publicist Jennie Buddy), comedians (Patton Oswalt) and musicians inspired by the band (The Black Keys' Patrick Carney, Fucked Up's Damian Abraham, Against Me!'s Tom Gabel).
The issue also explored the overall musical landscape of the 1990s (focusing on how music helped listeners to form an identity and express themselves in a post-Reagan era), the interplay between early '90s alternative rock and hip hop and the appropriation of grunge rock styles into fashion especially by Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs.
Of course, I was a little younger than the targeted demographic when Nevermind was released; being more interested in "I Love You, You Love Me" and "The Song That Never Ends" than alternative rock. By the time I started watching MTV, though, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was still in heavy rotation. Once I was in the targeted demographic, in my early teens, manufactured pop and polished "alternative" rock were staples and consisted of most of what I listened to.
I didn't really start exploring Nirvana until my freshman year of college, but I don't really know what triggered it (nostalgia, probably). Although "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was the only song I knew really well, I was surprised at the familiarity of almost all of the songs on the album. I don't know where or how, but I had heard it before. It's still music that I can go back to and enjoy, although it never coincided with any of the angsty periods of my life.
To celebrate the album's anniversary, Spin compiled a tribute album with each of the album's tracks performed by a different artist, including EMA, Wavves, Foxy Shazam and Surfer Blood. The tribute is available for download here.
Much of the tribute consists of musings from various members of the entertainment world on what the album means to them. Interviewees include musical contemporaries (Sleater-Kinney's Carrie Brownstein, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder), industry figures (manager Danny Goldberg, Sub Pop publicist Jennie Buddy), comedians (Patton Oswalt) and musicians inspired by the band (The Black Keys' Patrick Carney, Fucked Up's Damian Abraham, Against Me!'s Tom Gabel).
The issue also explored the overall musical landscape of the 1990s (focusing on how music helped listeners to form an identity and express themselves in a post-Reagan era), the interplay between early '90s alternative rock and hip hop and the appropriation of grunge rock styles into fashion especially by Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs.
Of course, I was a little younger than the targeted demographic when Nevermind was released; being more interested in "I Love You, You Love Me" and "The Song That Never Ends" than alternative rock. By the time I started watching MTV, though, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was still in heavy rotation. Once I was in the targeted demographic, in my early teens, manufactured pop and polished "alternative" rock were staples and consisted of most of what I listened to.
I didn't really start exploring Nirvana until my freshman year of college, but I don't really know what triggered it (nostalgia, probably). Although "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was the only song I knew really well, I was surprised at the familiarity of almost all of the songs on the album. I don't know where or how, but I had heard it before. It's still music that I can go back to and enjoy, although it never coincided with any of the angsty periods of my life.
To celebrate the album's anniversary, Spin compiled a tribute album with each of the album's tracks performed by a different artist, including EMA, Wavves, Foxy Shazam and Surfer Blood. The tribute is available for download here.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Play it smart, soul intact
I never really listened much to My Morning Jacket before the release of this year's Circuital. I'd heard some of their albums and liked what I heard, but never really got into them. When I saw them at Bonnaroo in June, I quickly became enamored with their music and overall performing style.
I had the chance to see them again last night here in Cincinnati, performing at the PNC Pavilion with another of my favorite artists Neko Case!
Unfortunately, due to a poor assumption on my part, I missed most of Neko's set. The ticket had a start time of 7:00 PM. I am, however, used to that time being doors open and not when the bands actually start performing. This was not the case here and I arrived just in time to hear her last two songs and neither from my much beloved Furnace Room Lullaby (though all of her albums are great, I shouldn't be picky).
The disappointment of missing the amazing Neko Case quickly dissipated, well...at least partially, when My Morning Jacket came on stage. They started their set with the first two tracks from Circuital, "Victory Dance" and "Circuital", in that order.
I thought for a moment they were going to just play the entire album, but quickly transitioned into songs from their other albums, including "I'm Amazed" and "Highly Suspicious" from Evil Urges, "Off the Record" from Z and "Mahgeetah" from It Still Moves. See the entire setlist here.
The band is just an amazing one to watch. Frontman Jim James (or, Yim Yames) has an incredible voice and an amazing presence. He also has awesome hair, which he spent a lot of time tossing around. And he has a beard, I love beards! Guitarist Carl Broemel (also an amazing solo artist!) is grossly underrated, but has been named among the "New Guitar Gods" by Rolling Stone.
The drummer, Patrick Hallahan, is just amazing to look at. He's a big guy and has a lot of hair. He also tends to howl at random points during the show. Tom Blankenship, the bassist, is a gorgeous man. I think I spent half the concert staring at his butt.
This is a band that could go all night if they wanted to, but I did not. I cut out after the second song in the encore. As I was walking to my car, they started a duet with Neko Case, a cover of Stevie Nicks' "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around." I almost kicked myself for missing Neko again, but the acoustics were actually pretty good from the parking lot. I sat around until that song was done, then left, having thoroughly enjoyed another great concert experience!
I had the chance to see them again last night here in Cincinnati, performing at the PNC Pavilion with another of my favorite artists Neko Case!
Unfortunately, due to a poor assumption on my part, I missed most of Neko's set. The ticket had a start time of 7:00 PM. I am, however, used to that time being doors open and not when the bands actually start performing. This was not the case here and I arrived just in time to hear her last two songs and neither from my much beloved Furnace Room Lullaby (though all of her albums are great, I shouldn't be picky).
The disappointment of missing the amazing Neko Case quickly dissipated, well...at least partially, when My Morning Jacket came on stage. They started their set with the first two tracks from Circuital, "Victory Dance" and "Circuital", in that order.
I thought for a moment they were going to just play the entire album, but quickly transitioned into songs from their other albums, including "I'm Amazed" and "Highly Suspicious" from Evil Urges, "Off the Record" from Z and "Mahgeetah" from It Still Moves. See the entire setlist here.
The band is just an amazing one to watch. Frontman Jim James (or, Yim Yames) has an incredible voice and an amazing presence. He also has awesome hair, which he spent a lot of time tossing around. And he has a beard, I love beards! Guitarist Carl Broemel (also an amazing solo artist!) is grossly underrated, but has been named among the "New Guitar Gods" by Rolling Stone.
The drummer, Patrick Hallahan, is just amazing to look at. He's a big guy and has a lot of hair. He also tends to howl at random points during the show. Tom Blankenship, the bassist, is a gorgeous man. I think I spent half the concert staring at his butt.
This is a band that could go all night if they wanted to, but I did not. I cut out after the second song in the encore. As I was walking to my car, they started a duet with Neko Case, a cover of Stevie Nicks' "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around." I almost kicked myself for missing Neko again, but the acoustics were actually pretty good from the parking lot. I sat around until that song was done, then left, having thoroughly enjoyed another great concert experience!
Monday, August 15, 2011
New Music Tuesday 08/09/2011
Dom - Family of Love
This is one of those "up-and-comers" you'll probably be hearing a lot about from indie sources in the months to come. This is the band's second EP, no full-length album yet. Their sound follows the beachy, laid-back style that seems to have become very popular in the last year or so. They, however, remind me more of a Ducktails (with more vocals) than a Best Coast. Although, I would say it almost sounds like a more ethereal version of Wavves.
"Damn"
This is one of those "up-and-comers" you'll probably be hearing a lot about from indie sources in the months to come. This is the band's second EP, no full-length album yet. Their sound follows the beachy, laid-back style that seems to have become very popular in the last year or so. They, however, remind me more of a Ducktails (with more vocals) than a Best Coast. Although, I would say it almost sounds like a more ethereal version of Wavves.
"Damn"
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Killing it
The Kills have been one of my favorite bands for the past two or three years. I've been intermittently obsessed with No Wow, it's one of the few albums out there that I can easily return to at any time and still love to listen to. They released a new album, Blood Pressures in April and have, of course, been touring behind it.
I had planned to see them in Nashville, TN during Memorial Day weekend to take advantage of the longer weekend. I flipped back and forth on whether to attend until the Wednesday before the concert, when I decided to go. I sat down during my lunch break to purchase the ticket only to realize I had left my wallet at home. I logged on immediately when I got home to complete the purchase only for the tickets to have sold out between lunch-time 6:00 PM.
When it was announced around June that they were expanding their tour, including a date in nearby Columbus, Ohio, I bought my ticket almost immediately, no way was I missing out again.
The concert happened last weekend and it was (mostly) spectacular. Of course, there was an opening band, Bury Strangers. They started off well enough, fairly basic hard rock, lots of reverb and feedback. They quickly resorted to every rock star cliche in the book, 1) play with your teeth, behind your head? Check. 2) "Meaningful" glance out at the audience while playing an actually melodic lick? Check. 3) Destruction of equipment? CHECK! They...weren't good, but thankfully, that is not who I was there to see.
The Kills came on to great fanfare, now here is a band that doesn't need gimmicks. I had been looking forward to seeing what Alison Mosshart, the band's vocalist, would wear since she is an amazing style star, but she was pretty basic in all black. Oh well.
Their set started poorly, though by no fault of their own. For the first half of "No Wow," her microphone was turned so low, you could barely hear the vocals. It took the sound guy almost half the song to realize, "Hey, maybe we should turn her microphone up."
The rest of the show was amazing. They definitely have the rock star stage presence down, but it doesn't feel cliched or forced (the opening back should have been taking notes).
They performed a mix of songs from all of their albums, including "Future Starts Slow," "Pots & Pans" and "URA Fever." They had an actually meaningful and poignant moment with the audience performing "The Last Goodbye." I really, really hope that the opening band was paying attention.
Great concert, well worth the wait. If you ever have the chance to see them, don't miss it for anything!
I had planned to see them in Nashville, TN during Memorial Day weekend to take advantage of the longer weekend. I flipped back and forth on whether to attend until the Wednesday before the concert, when I decided to go. I sat down during my lunch break to purchase the ticket only to realize I had left my wallet at home. I logged on immediately when I got home to complete the purchase only for the tickets to have sold out between lunch-time 6:00 PM.
When it was announced around June that they were expanding their tour, including a date in nearby Columbus, Ohio, I bought my ticket almost immediately, no way was I missing out again.
The concert happened last weekend and it was (mostly) spectacular. Of course, there was an opening band, Bury Strangers. They started off well enough, fairly basic hard rock, lots of reverb and feedback. They quickly resorted to every rock star cliche in the book, 1) play with your teeth, behind your head? Check. 2) "Meaningful" glance out at the audience while playing an actually melodic lick? Check. 3) Destruction of equipment? CHECK! They...weren't good, but thankfully, that is not who I was there to see.
The Kills came on to great fanfare, now here is a band that doesn't need gimmicks. I had been looking forward to seeing what Alison Mosshart, the band's vocalist, would wear since she is an amazing style star, but she was pretty basic in all black. Oh well.
Their set started poorly, though by no fault of their own. For the first half of "No Wow," her microphone was turned so low, you could barely hear the vocals. It took the sound guy almost half the song to realize, "Hey, maybe we should turn her microphone up."
The rest of the show was amazing. They definitely have the rock star stage presence down, but it doesn't feel cliched or forced (the opening back should have been taking notes).
They performed a mix of songs from all of their albums, including "Future Starts Slow," "Pots & Pans" and "URA Fever." They had an actually meaningful and poignant moment with the audience performing "The Last Goodbye." I really, really hope that the opening band was paying attention.
Great concert, well worth the wait. If you ever have the chance to see them, don't miss it for anything!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Musician turned designer: Crazy, Stupid, Love.
A lot of musicians turn to fashion design at some point in their careers. Some seem to be pretty serious about it (Gwen Stefani), others pretty much just license their names (Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez). One of the latest took me by surprise.
Albert Hammond, Jr., of The Strokes, co-designed Ryan Gosling's wardrobe for the movie Crazy, Stupid, Love. I saw the movie a couple of nights ago and I can say that Gosling looked damned good! His character's style consisted of skinny suits in saturated colors, crisp button-downs, cashmere sweaters, wing-tip shoes and statement rings.
So...beautiful (teen.com)
Not so bad himself! (brandish.tv)
Albert Hammond, Jr., of The Strokes, co-designed Ryan Gosling's wardrobe for the movie Crazy, Stupid, Love. I saw the movie a couple of nights ago and I can say that Gosling looked damned good! His character's style consisted of skinny suits in saturated colors, crisp button-downs, cashmere sweaters, wing-tip shoes and statement rings.
So...beautiful (teen.com)
Not so bad himself! (brandish.tv)
Quite an impressive turn for the guitarist!
Bonus! A song from Hammond's first solo album, Yours to Keep!
"Everyone Gets a Star"
Bonus! A song from Hammond's first solo album, Yours to Keep!
"Everyone Gets a Star"
Monday, August 8, 2011
Urkel!
If you've been wondering what Jaleel White has been up to since "Family Matters" went off the air more than a decade ago...he's starring in music videos. Dressed like a student at Morehouse, he's starring as Cee-Lo Green for the "Cry Baby" song.
I am loving this so much!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Welcome to the Music City!
I really like music. I might even say I'm borderline obsessed with the art form. It's a wonder I haven't headed to Nashville, Tennessee before (or even been in the state), so I decided to make the trip a couple of weekends ago.
Immediately after work on Friday, I jumped in my car a started driving south. After a 5 hours driving and getting lost in Kentucky, I arrived at the Music City Hostel in the city. It was late and I was tired, so I just went to bed.
I got up bright and early the next morning, though, ready and excited to explore the city! The hostel wasn't far from downtown, so I decided to start walking. The walk itself wasn't too interesting (standard big city sites), but downtown was amazing. Everything about Nashville evokes the spirit of music. There's an Elvis statue on every corner, random street musicians, B.B. King's bar and classic record and poster stores!
Immediately after work on Friday, I jumped in my car a started driving south. After a 5 hours driving and getting lost in Kentucky, I arrived at the Music City Hostel in the city. It was late and I was tired, so I just went to bed.
I got up bright and early the next morning, though, ready and excited to explore the city! The hostel wasn't far from downtown, so I decided to start walking. The walk itself wasn't too interesting (standard big city sites), but downtown was amazing. Everything about Nashville evokes the spirit of music. There's an Elvis statue on every corner, random street musicians, B.B. King's bar and classic record and poster stores!
After my stroll downtown, I realized it was too hot to spend the entire day walking from place to place and decided to go back to the hostel to get my car (yay, heat advisories). With the quicker mode of transportation, I decided to check out some of the sites slightly further from town.
The first visit was to Jack White's record label, Third Man Records. Housed in a tiny building in an otherwise industrial area, I drove past it a few times before I finally found it. I went inside and browsed their small store. I settled on a couple copies of "De Stijl" (one for me, one for a friend) and a few postcards. Alas, Jack White was not in attendance.
Next, I embarked on what I hope to make a tradition when I travel and visited a local record store, Grimey's. It was a little place, also quite easy to miss. Unfortunately, I wasn't in much of a mood to browse and just settled on a couple of titles I'd had on my list for a while, The Black Keys' Magic Potion and Wolf Parade's Apologies to the Queen Mary.
I do have other traveling traditions, the biggest one being a visit to a local art museum, especially those that specialize in modern art. In Nashville, I visited the Frist Center, which was featuring an exhibit on Andy Warhol. Rather than taking a broad-based approach to his work, they focused on his work involving figures of music and dance (so, just most of his work). Many of his magazine covers for Interview, album covers such as a the one for The Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers and portraits of Grace Jones, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were on display. It was a small museum, but the galleries were great.
The first visit was to Jack White's record label, Third Man Records. Housed in a tiny building in an otherwise industrial area, I drove past it a few times before I finally found it. I went inside and browsed their small store. I settled on a couple copies of "De Stijl" (one for me, one for a friend) and a few postcards. Alas, Jack White was not in attendance.
Next, I embarked on what I hope to make a tradition when I travel and visited a local record store, Grimey's. It was a little place, also quite easy to miss. Unfortunately, I wasn't in much of a mood to browse and just settled on a couple of titles I'd had on my list for a while, The Black Keys' Magic Potion and Wolf Parade's Apologies to the Queen Mary.
I do have other traveling traditions, the biggest one being a visit to a local art museum, especially those that specialize in modern art. In Nashville, I visited the Frist Center, which was featuring an exhibit on Andy Warhol. Rather than taking a broad-based approach to his work, they focused on his work involving figures of music and dance (so, just most of his work). Many of his magazine covers for Interview, album covers such as a the one for The Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers and portraits of Grace Jones, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were on display. It was a small museum, but the galleries were great.
All of this surprisingly only took up a small part of my day. I spent much of the afternoon being lazy at the hostel. I struck up a conversation with an interesting boy named Bert on the merits of listening to vinyl. I found out, later on, that he had been inspired enough to visit a local record store and discuss the listening and storage of the format with a shop owner. Go me!
I only spend a day in Nashville, but would love to go back and experience more (perhaps the County Music Hall of Fame!) I will definitely go back, a great city to visit.
There was one more big aspect to my visit to the Music City, which I will put in another post!
I only spend a day in Nashville, but would love to go back and experience more (perhaps the County Music Hall of Fame!) I will definitely go back, a great city to visit.
There was one more big aspect to my visit to the Music City, which I will put in another post!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I want my MTV
MTV is currently celebrating its 30th birthday. Of course, I wasn't watching from the beginning (being about 6 years younger than the network), but even in the time since I watched it religiously it has changed drastically. I'll choose to remember the good 'ol days of the network.
I started watching MTV around the time that I was 7 years old. I would sit up for hours watching video blocks. I didn't watch a lot of the non-music related shows at that age, I was just obsessed with music videos. I remember loving the videos for The Beastie Boys' "Sabotage", Biggie's "Big Poppa" and especially Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby."
Ahhh...back when she was relatively normal.
The first of their non-music related programming that I watched was probably "Singled Out," which my mother didn't actually let me watch. I, however, had a babysitter named Danae who would let me stay up and watch with her when it was on. Horrible show, but I loved it then.
Outside of music programming, anything I wanted to watch was per my mother's permission. I would ask her if I could watch a particular show and she would always say yes. I would only know that she wouldn't let me watch it if she screamed "Turn that off!" from the other room five minutes later. That happened with "Celebrity Death Match."
As I got older, I was able to watch more and more of MTV's programming. I started on "The Real World" around age 11 and "Daria" around 13. Those were two of my big favorites.
My major obsession on MTV, however, was "Total Request Live." I watched that show religiously. I came on right when I got home from school and I rarely missed an episode. It went perfectly hand in hand with my boy band obsession. I always envied the audience in attendance when The Backstreet Boys, N*Sync or 5ive were in the studio. In the battle of the boy bands, 5ive was my clear favorite, probably because they were British (though, to be realistic to what was most popular, I'll say N*Sync).
I loved this, and I refuse to explain myself.
MTV really started slacking on music programming around the time I was completing high school/starting college. They started showing second-long clips of music videos (if that) on TRL and the only time to actually catch music videos was in the wee hours of morning. I kept watching the network a lot though. I had always really liked "True Life" and will admit to watching the first couple of seasons of "Next" and "Laguna Beach" (I'm ashamed).
I stopped watching almost all together once they stopped showing even the early-morning blocks of videos. Now, I only occasionally tune in to see what all the hoopla is around these Oompa-Loompas and pregnant teenagers (I still don't know).
This may very well be the last music video I ever saw on MTV.
I reminisce fondly about growing up with MTV and do miss what it used to be. Thankfully, there seems to be some glimmer of hope that the network's producers are realizing what the network was founded for. The network will be bringing back "120 Minutes," a show that focused on alternative rock. Granted, it will be on MTV2. But given that the secondary network had become a wasteland for the lesser reality show, I consider it progress!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
New Music Tuesday - 08/02/2011
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Deluxe Edition)
The Best Album of the Year Grammy winning album was released exactly one year ago. Of course, a deluxe release proves that even independent labels (in this case, Merge) aren't immune from the tendency to release special editions of popular releases. Thankfully, this one may actually be worth it. Rather than an extra song and new artwork, this release includes two new songs, an extended version of another song and the full-length short film, "The Suburbs" by Spike Jonze. That alone makes this well worth repurchasing the album!
"Speaking in Tongues"
Fountains of Wayne - Sky Full of Holes
A lot of people dismissed them as simply one-hit wonders after "Stacy's Mom" (which, I guess, they technically were), but Fountains of Wayne put out a lot of good music before, and after, Welcome Interstate Managers. I was a big fan of Traffic & Weather (especially "Someone to Love"). This album purports to be "darker" than their past work, so it could be a very interesting release.
"Richie and Ruben"
Mathieu Santos - Massachusetts 2010
Mathieu is the bassist for Ra Ra Riot, whose The Rhumb Line I fell in love with last year. I'm not impressed with the uber-creative naming scheme for the album...I wonder when and where he recorded it??? (Although, I guess it's better than the how Adele chooses to name hers). His main band is a great mix of American indie rock, pop and classical/baroque elements. I hope he holds onto some of what makes his collaborative work so amazing in his solo efforts!
"I Can Hear The Trains Coming"
The Best Album of the Year Grammy winning album was released exactly one year ago. Of course, a deluxe release proves that even independent labels (in this case, Merge) aren't immune from the tendency to release special editions of popular releases. Thankfully, this one may actually be worth it. Rather than an extra song and new artwork, this release includes two new songs, an extended version of another song and the full-length short film, "The Suburbs" by Spike Jonze. That alone makes this well worth repurchasing the album!
"Speaking in Tongues"
Fountains of Wayne - Sky Full of Holes
A lot of people dismissed them as simply one-hit wonders after "Stacy's Mom" (which, I guess, they technically were), but Fountains of Wayne put out a lot of good music before, and after, Welcome Interstate Managers. I was a big fan of Traffic & Weather (especially "Someone to Love"). This album purports to be "darker" than their past work, so it could be a very interesting release.
"Richie and Ruben"
Mathieu Santos - Massachusetts 2010
Mathieu is the bassist for Ra Ra Riot, whose The Rhumb Line I fell in love with last year. I'm not impressed with the uber-creative naming scheme for the album...I wonder when and where he recorded it??? (Although, I guess it's better than the how Adele chooses to name hers). His main band is a great mix of American indie rock, pop and classical/baroque elements. I hope he holds onto some of what makes his collaborative work so amazing in his solo efforts!
"I Can Hear The Trains Coming"
Monday, August 1, 2011
Living up to their name
I may be mistaken, but I think this might be Cults' official music video. Living up to their name, they've placed themselves inside Jim Jones church and Jonestown.
Fun fact: Cult leader Jim Jones attended my alma mater, Indiana University! Apparently, he used to stab his freshman-year roommate through the mattress.
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