NEW MUSIC —
Movie Trailers vs. Music
by Gabriel
There is something about the combination of good music and an interesting trailer that just sends shivers down my spine. When done correctly, I am more than willing to shell out the $10+ it now costs to see a film in theaters.
The film in question is an independent project from Sundance Film Festival entitled: I AM NOT A HIPSTER. The site describes the film as a documentary centered around the indie music and art scene in San Diego, which I’ll admit to knowing nothing about. The soundtrack is supplied entirely by local band CANINES, whose album can be streamed/downloaded by following the link.
Their lyrical musings are reminiscent of the late, fellow, indie rocker Elliott Smith — but their musical style is more akin to Fleet Foxes. Haunting, beautiful, vocals with depressive contemplation. I’m a fan — and I can’t wait to go and see the film.
I’ve included the trailer for those who are interested:
Source SoundCloud / CANINES
NEW MUSIC —
Welcome to Paradise
By Dan
After over a month of not blogging, it took a trip half way around the world and a couple pints of liquid courage to spark my creative spirit. I’m sitting in a hostel in Edinburgh right now, at around 7 o’clock, and I’ve been listening to the Slow Club’s newest album on repeat all day. For those unfamiliar with the British indie pop duo, their first full length album Yeah So, which came out in 2009, is a wonderful introduction. It has it’s slow bits and it’s fast bits. Songs for the broken hearted and songs for the wistfully romantic. Check it out.
As for the new album, Paradise, it definitely comes off more mature. If their first record was a high school crush, their second is college romance 101. The tracks are more complex and more polished. Often sophomore records mean more funding, more studio time, and better production value. This record is no exception. Another plus is more solo singing time for Rebecca Taylor. Though I enjoy most of their duets, and some of Charles Watson’s solo songs, I could never get tired of hearing Rebecca’s voice. She has a fabulous range and control, and a timbre that suits their style perfectly.
Give the opening track a listen and, if you can, check out the whole album. Hopefully I’ll be back soon with more posts.
Source SoundCloud / Popfrenzy
NEW MUSIC —
Swedish Duo ‘Knocks’ It Out
by Gabriel
Sorry for the pun, it was unavoidable.
I hadn’t heard of ‘Icona Pop’ before I heard this song. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on their new album. I’m not sure when Sweden started producing awesome electronic music, but lately it feels like every song I hear from there is pure gold. Apparently ‘Icona Pop’ exploded onto the scene with the highly infectious Manners, which was quickly sampled by Chiddy Bang in the appropriately named Mind Your Manners (which I kind of hate to love). Regardless of how you feel about them, they’re definitely making quite an entrance into popular music.
Sun Goes Down is a darker track in comparison to the breezy Manners, in part due to the ominous vocals supplied by The Knocks. I’ll definitely be jamming out to these synth-based melodies for the next couple weeks.
Check ‘em out, and if you like what you hear look for their new album “Nights Like This” which should be dropping soon (fingers crossed).
Source SoundCloud / IconaPop
STRUGGLING MUSICIANS —
(I’ve Got A) Wicked Case of the Whiskey Shivers
by Gabriel
I want more.
Seriously.
I never order CD’s anymore, and yet after watching this ingenious video from newcomers ‘Whiskey Shivers’ that is exactly what I did.
This may be the best independently produced music video I have ever seen.
Seriously.
Expect an update on this band as soon as I receive their CD in the mail.
PLAYLIST —
Electric Summer
By Dan
Summers on the northern California coast can be confusing. You want so badly to bathe in sunshine, rock the hell out of your flip flops and shorts, and listen to happy peppy summer time jams. But unfortunately we end up spending half the season wrapped up in sweaters and jackets, avoiding the fog banks, warming our hands on piping hot cup-noodle. But our music doesn’t have to be as dismal as the weather. Over the past couple months I’ve stumbled onto a handful of snythy tunes, both new and old, that might brighten up your summer.
1. Midnight City-M83 (The first single from their forthcoming album Hurry Up We’re Dreaming, which will be out in October)
2. Recurring-Bonobo (From the 2005 Live Sessions EP)
3. Doubt No-Chrome Sparks (From the recently released album, My <3, available on a ‘pay what you want’ basis on his bandcamp)
4. As Far As I Can See-Phantogram (Eyelid Movies, I don’t know how I missed this album last year)
5. Motivation-Clams Casino (One of my favorite new beat makers. If you’re familiar with Lil B, you’ve probably heard Clams’ beats. This is from his Instrumental Mixtape)
6. Koopa Troopa Beach-RAC (If this doesn’t bring you back to a wonderful place, you have no soul. If it does, check out the rest of the Nintendo vs. Sega mixes)
Check it out! Stay warm! or cold…whatever.
NEW MUSIC —
Sallie Ford and the Sound Out Side - “Dirty Radio”
by Cahleigh
I just felt the need to share how impressed I am that Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside got to play on Letterman last night! I went to high school with Ms Sallie and have known her family forever (our moms literally sing in a chorus together back in North Carolina).
Currently residing in Portland OR, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside are still relatively unknown. Playing Letterman could very well be their “big break”, although they did start a pretty decent fan base after touring with The Avett Brothers this past winter. Personal ties beside, their blend of blues and jazz styles into a more modern day package is intriguing and actually quite perfect to listen to on a per usual gloomy San Francisco day. Sallie Ford easily earns her name being featured in the groups title, but that’s not to say that the Sound Out Side aren’t greatly skilled musicians as well.
But seriously, I’m not a Letterman fan myself, but kudos to whoever booked them on the show. I’m certainly excited about it.
NEW AND LOCAL MUSIC —
The Mumlers
by Cahleigh
First of all, I’m all in when it comes to supporting local music. Some how the over all quality, or originality of a band isn’t quite held to my normal standards once its planted in my head that they’re from my town. But once in a while (ok, maybe more often then that..), this city spits out a band I’m actually stoked to listen to. The Mumlers fall under that category. I first saw them at Bottom of the Hill, opening for Vetiver (another SF native band worth a long listen) about a year ago. They sounded like a perfect hybrid of the 1970’s, and modern day, with a little brass(tuba!), a little funk, and some more familiar indie guitar and vocals thrown in the mix. Think a groovy version of The Black Keys. This folk/R&B combination was completely unexpected, but thoroughly welcomed by everyone in the audience.
The Mumlers have taken a genre of music that frequently consists of the too cool for school types, and made it something truly unique for this era, and they actually are able to pull it off.
Being from the Bay Area, The Mumlers give us SF folk plenty of opportunities to see them live, which this year includes playing one of the small stages at Treasure Island Music Festival, and also at The Independent opening for Two Gallants on Sept. 23rd.
Source SoundCloud / The Mumlers
UNSIGNED BANDS —
The Blinding Light of Jethro Fox
By Dan
There are a lot of mixed emotions that come along with discovering new music. If you really love the band’s sound, then you want them to do well and you want them to be heard. But at the same time, you feel robbed of a personal connection when your new favorite track hits the top of the charts. It’s an emotional roller coaster to be sure. But at the very least, you want the artists you like to be signed to a label so they can continue doing what they do so well. Jethro Fox is one of those young struggling musicians waiting to be signed.
Based out of Liverpool, he has established himself in the English indie pop scene as a guitarist and co-writer with Carnival Kids, Anna Lena & the Orchids and Evelyn Burke. Early this summer he released a short EP of his own solo material called Blinding Light and the tracks I’ve heard are a real treat. The old school pop style mixed with modern indie sensibilities makes it easy to get hooked. If you think Belle and Sebastian mixed with a little Beach Boys and a pinch of Grizzly Bear, you’ve got a good idea of what he’s about.
I’ve yet to find a place were I can purchase the full EP, but if you go to his Bandcamp page you can get a couple tracks for free. Independent musicians need as much support as they can get, so as soon as this EP becomes available (and you wont hear me say this often) PAY for it. And keep your eyes peeled for any new stuff coming out, because sixth months from now you’ll want brag to people that you heard it first, you hipster bastards.
Source SoundCloud / Jethro Fox
STRUGGLING MUSICIANS —
A Punk Rock Song Never Changed the World
by Gabriel
“Here’s to our lives being meaningless and how beautiful it is because freedom doesn’t have a purpose.”
Pat Schneeweis is a poet.
A crusty, subversive, foul-mouthed anarchist — but a poet none-the-less.
More commonly known as Pat the Bunny, Schneeweis is the intriguing front man for two (apparently three) folk punk groups: Johnny Hobo & the Freight Trains, and Wingnut Dishwashers Union.
Pat’s offers a rare, candid, glimpse into the seditious sub-culture known as punk rock. His lyrics are laden with laments and sorrow, but he sings with such emotional intensity that you almost forget that these are the musings of a seriously disturbed young mind.
‘Fuck Shit Up! (Whananana)’ may list among his less insightful tracks, but just happens to be the one song that resonates the most with me. It’s a song that makes me want to take a big swig of whiskey, throw my arm around my anarchist little brother, and sing at the top of our lungs as we destroy some public property.
If you like what you hear, I suggest looking up his other work: I’d personal start with the more approachable tracks like ‘New Mexico Song’ or ‘Whiskey Is My Kind of Lullaby.’
At one point all of his music was available for download off his website, but it seems to have been taken down. If you want any of it, send me a message, and I’ll send you a digital copy.
Source SoundCloud / Gabriel Suits
NEW MUSIC —
Midtown Dickens Wants to be Your Friend
By Dan
Do you like having sing-a-longs with your friends on the porch? Do you like songs about how awesome Tetris is or how much it sucks to be looking for a job? Do you think “banjos are neat”? Yes? Then you’ll love Midtown Dickens.
The twangy yet harmonized sound of Midtown Dickens comes from the core duo of Kym Register and Catherine Edgerton who first graced the music world with a self-released album Oh Yell! in 2007. The album’s subject matter ranges from young crushes, to everyday laziness, to difficult relationships with your mother, all the while backed by multi-instrumental arrangements and subtle vocal harmonies that remind you of being in the back room at a party where all your friends are playing music and singing Bob Dylan and Joan Baez covers. It feels welcoming, friendly and cute, yet the duo’s chemistry and natural talent easily gains your respect.
Their newest album, Lanterns, is a slightly more polished version of the first album’s original formula. With the addition of a producer and three new consistent players, the album has a bigger sound with more complex compositions, yet doesn’t lose any of the band’s original homey feel. A few of the newer tracks, and some of the old, can be heard on the band’s website here. You can also buy both their albums on there.
I posted “The Job Song” from their first album because it’s the one I’ve been playing the most on my iTunes. And let’s face it, we can all relate to a song about how much it sucks to job hunt. Enjoy.
