EAR CANDY | [MP3] Sweet Hearts EP
SWEET HEARTS
@ Los Angeles, CA.
Pop, Acoustic, Indie
Official | Facebook
If you know me (I’ll assume you don’t), you’ll know that I’m not much for belt-y, powerhouse vocals; I’m more keen on whisper-sweet serenades that require you to almost lean in (even if you’ve got headphones on).
Priscilla Ahn more than checked off that box for me when I first came across her sparse ‘girl with a guitar and a loop and sometimes a harmonica’ easy listening tunes. I caught her at the Drake back in 2009, and sitting cross-legged on the floor with everyone else in tiny venue, there was a collective hush over the crowd and everyone was actually leaning in.
Now she’s back with Sweet Hearts, a duo project with fellow musician Charlie Wadhams, and they’ve just released their mellow, mushy, and blush-worthy self-titled EP for free download just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Or if you’re a single lady (“all the single ladies, all the single ladies, all the single ladies, now put your hands up!”), why not celebrate Galentine’s Day à la Leslie Knope?
Guys, you can follow suit. And then on the 14th, cozy up with a glass of wine, some cheese, a mirror, and celebrate a little good, healthy narcissism. Celebrate you! (It’ll be like your birthday except better because you’re not a year older!)
Oh sweetheart, when I see you again, you’re never gonna let me go. That’s right, you’ll always be my dearest friend. My, my, I’ll love you till the day I die.
Put on Sweet Hearts’ EP, gaze into your own eyes (that’s what the mirror’s for) and pretend all the lyrics are about you. It’s the new affirmation nation.
[Download]: Sweet Hearts’ EP here by entering your email address!
EAR CANDY | [MP3] Oberhofer – “HEART”
The recent couple years have seen an uprising of lo-fi bedroom musicians (see: Youth Lagoon, Coma Cinema) and when Brad Oberhofer appeared on the scene in 2010 unsigned and with a free EP for download, he was no different.
“Heart,” the first single from Oberhofer’s debut LP Time Capsules II (out March 27), is a departure from the reverb-laden fuzz-filled soundscape that we’ve come to identify with him. From the crisp and clear opening notes of a solitude piano to the addition of orchestral strings towards the end, it’s immediately clear that Oberhofer (now signed to Glassnote) is heading in a new, bigger direction. I’ll admit that I was a bit skeptical at first upon hearing that he was going polish up his sound for his full-length, because I worried that it might lose the youthful fervor and frenetic energy of the o0Oo0Oo EP that really caught my attention.
Everything’s a little more pristine and little more calculated and thought out, but the youthful energy (albeit a little more mature) is still there bubbling under the surface, so I think I’m coming around to it. After all, we all have to grow up some time, right? Besides, that signature throaty Oberhofer yelp embedded in mix at the 30-second mark of “Heart” gave me my sigh of relief and kind of sort of won me over.
[MP3]: Oberhofer – “HEART”
ON THE VERGE | Youth Lagoon
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Label
Getting to know an artist is like making a new friend.
There are some people that seem standoffish in the beginning (maybe because they’re shy or because they’ve eaten a crap sandwich and it’s ruined their entire day–sandwiches have that kind of effect on people, y’know), so it takes a couple of visits or run-ins for them to get comfortable around you and for you to warm up to them; then there are those people you take an instant liking to (perhaps you both find great pleasure in watching/making fun of what has become of America’s Top Model over the years).
It’s the same with music. There are some musicians that require a couple listens to get into (Joanna Newsom, anyone?) and others where the connection is undeniable and instantaneous. For me, Youth Lagoon was the latter.
Even better, it was like revisiting an old friend. That’s the kind of nostalgia-tinged feeling The Year of Hibernation is wrought with.
“Five years ago, in my backyard I sang love away. Little did I know that real love had not quite yet found me.”
[MP3]: Youth Lagoon – “July”
Raw vocals with a sort of youthful reverie, crackling and hazy with reverb, beg for a closer listen, for a more concentrated ear. With synths, organ, guitar, and some heavy beats layered on–usually starting off quietly and then building up to thicker, fuller sound (think wall-of-sound)–Youth Lagoon crafts introspective bedroom anthems.
Also, I cannot lie. During my first listen of the entire album, I thought it was a girl singing. (Sorry, Trevor.) Alas, Youth Lagoon is Boise, Idaho’s awesomely named Trevor Powers. (Yes, that’s his real name.) And with a name like that and a penchant for bedroom music and introspection, you’d think that Powers might be walking around with a superhero costume hidden underneath his button-ups.
However even amidst the quiet introspection, Powers references the past only as a way to look to the future. Like the experiences and memories that make us who we are today, The Year of Hibernation is a memento of sorts, to the past.
[MP3]: Youth Lagoon – “Cannons”
From the opening track (“Posters”), I could immediately feel a quiet sense of understanding between Powers and I, like a quiet nod. Like, a musical ‘hey, I feel ya!’ What started as a bedroom project (where the whole LP was recorded) has found resonance beyond his four-walls.
You make real friends quickly. You make real friends quickly. But not me.
I get him. I feel where he’s coming from; from his lyrics, to his delivery, to the entire atmosphere that’s created when everything comes together perfectly. And for me, that’s the beautiful thing.
EAR CANDY | [MP3] Memoryhouse – “Modern, Normal”
Myspace | Official | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bandcamp
[MP3]: Memoryhouse – “Modern, Normal” (via)
I have so much love for Memoryhouse that it’s seeping out of my every pore.
But it is summer, so it could just be the heat. I don’t know. Regardless, here is the just released “Modern, Normal”–one of two new tracks that will be added to the re-recorded/remixed/remastered version of The Years EP to be released via Sub Pop. (It will the band’s debut on the label!)
So much Canadian pride going on here. Who needs hockey, anyway!? (Too soon? Not soon enough? Whatever.)
P.S. Apologies for the lack of updates. Life sort of took over unexpectedly, and a person can’t really argue with life right? I’m trying to get back into the swing of things, so expect to see more posts soon!
EAR CANDY | [MP3] Bon Iver – “Calgary”
Myspace | Official | Facebook | Twitter
Eargasm.
I’ve been waiting for an eternity for some new Bon Iver, and finally, we get our first taste of new material with the release of the first single off the band’s doubly self-titled sophomore LP–Bon Iver, Bon Iver (due out June 21 via Jagjaguwar).
[MP3]: Bon Iver – “Calgary” (via)
As usual, the lyrics are cryptic as all hell, but Justin Vernon’s vocals weave themselves into a harmonic tapestry that I want to envelop myself in for days. It’s still the barebones Bon Iver we’ve all come to love, but this time the soundscape is fuller, more vast, and eclectic. The addition of synthesizers and electronic elements embedded into the the backdrop create a heavier, rounded experience.
Sure it’s supposed to be spring, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a “good winter,” right? I mean, the weather isn’t exactly warm and sunny, and my hands are effectively ice blocks as I type this.
Plus it doesn’t hurt that it’s about a Canadian city, either. Canadian pride and wintery wonderland both check off!
Bon Iver, warm me up.
*Tour dates after the jump! (more…)
EAR CANDY | [MP3] The Kills – “DNA”
[Mp3]: The Kills – “DNA” (right-click, save as / control + click, save link as)
The enigmatic grunge blues rock duo of the Kills‘ “Hotel” (Jamie Hince) and “VV” (Alison Mosshart) have already released the first single off Blood Pressures–“Satellite”–along with its accompanying video, announced the first leg of their tour in support of the album, and shown off the record’s album art (pictured above). Now they’ve jumped on the “free track” trend with a no-fee download of second single, “DNA.”
On the first listen, I have to say I’m partial to the crunchy guitar work and overall frenetic fuzz and grittiness of “Satellite.”
“DNA” is much more down-tempo in comparison, but it’s the type of slinky song you could imagine a gang of leather and vintage-clad badasses with perfectly messied up ‘just-got-out-of-bed-hair’ strutting down a dimly lit street to in slow motion. I think it’s a track that I’ll grow to love more and more with each listen.
With two strong singles, the anticipation is definitely building up for the Kills’ April 5 release date (via Domino) of Blood Pressures, and I cannot wait.
EAR CANDY | [MP3] Little Scream – “Cannons”
Myspace | Official | Facebook | Twitter
[MP3]: Little Scream – “Cannons” (click arrow on the right to download)
Montreal-based Laurel Sprengelmeyer (under the moniker Little Scream) has already gifted us with a free download of “Heron and the Fox” (featuring guitar work from The National’s Aaron Dessner), the first single off her debut album The Golden Record. But I guess the Canadian spirit has really rubbed off on the Mississippi native, because now she’s also giving away her second single, “Cannons.”
If you aren’t a (physical) album collector like I am, you’ll be happy to know that her album is out today exclusively on iTunes. Yes…you can purchase it today. But if you must get your hands on the jewel casing (or perhaps digipak or vinyl) and artwork, then you’ll have to wait until April 11 (Europe) or April 12 (North America).
EAR CANDY | [MP3] Priscilla Ahn – “When You Grow Up”
Myspace | Website | Facebook | Twitter
L.A.-based Priscilla Ahn is gearing up for the release of her sophomore album and follow-up to 2008′s A Good Day with a free download of the lead single off When You Grow Up (out May 3 via Blue Note Records).
Back in high school, I had a serious Hotel Cafe phase. It’s a small venue in Los Angeles that has been home to many of my favourite singer-songwriters, like Joshua Radin, Meiko, Rachel Yamagata, Sara Bareilles, and the list goes on. It’s always fascinated me how each city has their own little music scene, much like Nashville’s Ten out of Tenn–a collective with a rotating roster of amazing and like-minded musicians and friends. (Fun fact: The Civil War’s Joy Williams, Madi Diaz, Katie Herzig, and Erin McCarley were all part of Ten out of Tenn once upon a time.)
Anyway, the Hotel Cafe used to put on a tour of current and past resident musicians, aptly entitled the Hotel Cafe Tour, and the line-up was always to die for. I vowed that one day, I would go to L.A. and check out this iconic venue.
Priscilla Ahn was one of the musicians that really caught my attention. The simplicity of her music, the looped vocals/harmonies, the pureness of her voice, and the nostalgic songs created the perfect company on nights when it was hard to fall asleep. Her music has the ability to lull you to sleep, not out of boredom, but out of sheer warmness, much like how it felt to fall asleep on the car ride home and be carried into your bedroom and tucked into bed by your parents when you were a child. It’s a sort of reminiscing serum that calls back to childhood, and isn’t that something we could all use from time to time?
I was lucky enough to catch her show at the Drake two years ago, and she had completely enraptured the audience. I’m really excited for When You Grow Up, because it seems as if Ahn is moving away from the childhood aspects and more into the experiences that overtake us in adulthood. And now that I’m 21, I’m ready for the ride.
[MP3] EAR CANDY | James Vincent McMorrow – “If I Had A Boat” + “We Don’t Eat”
Myspace | Website | Facebook | Twitter
[MP3]: James McMorrow – “If I Had A Boat”
I’ll just come right out and say it now: the Bon Iver comparisons are kind of inevitable with James Vincent McMorrow. Some have already dubbed him Dublin’s answer to the wispy-voiced Justin Vernon.
From the opening notes of “If I Had A Boat,” the familiar sounds are there. And I’m not going to lie…Justin Vernon was the first thing that came to my mind. Regardless, it is a beautiful track that had me right from the beginning.
Yes, if you were to simply judge McMorrow based on this song and nothing more, the echos of Justin Vernon are quite evident–glaring even. But if you were to delve further and really listen to his music–like his recently released debut, Early In the Morning–you’d find that he is a different artist with a little bit more of a folk lean.
Sure, they both have impossibly luscious and husky voices and have a penchant for layers of falsetto harmonies–but the similarities pretty much end there. His voice is also reminiscent of James Morrison’s at times (“We Don’t Eat”), if we were to be so keen on comparisons.
[MP3]: James Vincent McMorrow – “We Don’t Eat” (right-click, save as)
After going through a bit more of his catalogue, I find the main difference between the two artists to be in the instrumentation. Both sing from emotional depths, but Bon Iver creates more sparse, yet sweeping, atmospheric experiences, while McMorrow relies more on the devices of the singer-songwriter.
Still, if you like Bon Iver, it’s a pretty good bet you’ll dig James Vincent McMorrow.
[MP3] EAR CANDY | Heidi Spencer & The Rare Birds – “Alibi”
[MP3]: Heidi Spencer & The Rare Birds – “Alibi” (right-click, save as)
“No one needs to know we laid around all day.”
All day, every day, that’s pretty much my theory. And if your first thought when seeing her name was Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt (from The Hills), you weren’t alone. If not, I should cut back on my celebrity gossip. MTV is terrible.
“Alibi” is a nice, simple, mellow song I came across and thought I’d share. Sometimes it’s nice when things aren’t too complicated; sometimes you need that. (Also, I like how you can hear a single finger-snap on some beats.) It’s the first single off Milwaukee’s Heidi Spencer & the Rare Birds‘ album, Under Streetlight Glow (due out March 27 via Bella Union). Hope you enjoy!
[MP3] EAR CANDY | The Civil Wars – “Barton Hollow”
THE CIVIL WARS
Folk/Indie
Myspace | Website | Facebook | Twitter
You’ll like them if you like: Ray Lamontagne, sitting by the fire with a cup of tea, roasted walnuts, syrup on blueberry pancakes (or just pancakes in general), The Swell Season, boy-girl vocals that melt seamlessly into one another.
I’ve previously mentioned The Civil Wars in an ON THE VERGE feature as an up-and-coming band about to make the big leagues, and boy was I right. The folksy duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White were the first musicians to have a song of theirs (“Poison & Wine”) played in its entirety on Grey’s Anatomy, they recently played Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show, and they’ve been featured in Paste Magazine; basically, they been popping up everywhere–and all before the release of their debut LP, Barton Hollow (out Feb. 1 via Sensibility Music). All the attention they’ve gotten is not without good reason: these two have real, unadulterated talent–and they have substance.
Now to add to the hype, they’ve offered up the lead single of the same name off their forthcoming album for free download! And if you haven’t already downloaded their free live album, Live at Eddie’s Attic, (which is what first got them noticed and garnered them fans–hint hint, independent musicians!) just head on over here to pick up your free copy! Also, I got a chance to listen to the full album when they were streaming it earlier today from 12-1 pm. Verdict: Heavenly.
[MP3]: The Civil Wars – “Barton Hollow”
EAR CANDY | [MP3] Lykke Li – “I Follow Rivers” (Dave Sitek Remix) + “Untitled” Video
Myspace | Website | Facebook | Twitter
I apologize for the lack of updates recently. I’ve been incredibly swamped with school and…well, school. You know how it is. Anyway, on to business…Lykke Li.
Another remix of her single, “I Follow Rivers” has popped up–this time by TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek. That guy likes to bury vocals and use horns (as evidenced by his production on Holly Miranda’s The Magician’s Private Library), so of course there’s a full horn/brass section on this remix (which I find a bit abrasive). Personally, I prefer the original and The Magician remix better, but that’s just me–you can decide for yourself!
[MP3]: Lykke Li – “I Follow Rivers” (Dave Sitek Remix)
The indie darling has also released a video entitled, “Untitled.” I’m not sure if it’s an EPK for the album, or an introduction track of sorts–but the again I have no idea what’s going on in the video itself. Let’s just say it involves a big white dog, sand, knives, lots of flailing around and stabbings of knives into the sand, a deck of cards, and artistry with a switchblade. And all that while wearing five-inch white stilettos.
ON THE VERGE | The Head and the Heart
THE HEAD & THE HEART
Folk/Pop/Rock/Indie
Myspace | Website | Twitter | Facebook
WHO: Charity Rose Thielen (vocals, violin, percussion), Chris Zasche (bass), Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, percussion), Kenny Hensley (piano), Tyler Williams (drums)
WHERE: Seattle, Washington
CONNECT THE DOTS: Toured with Dr. Dog, Dave Matthews, Vampire Weekend
CLAIM TO FAME: They’re just really good. (Plus they just got signed to Sub Pop!)
YOU WILL LIKE THEM IF YOU LIKE: Husky male vocals, collectives, bearded men in plaid, log cabins
[MP3]: The Head and the Heart – “Sounds Like Hallelujah”
Seattle is a very luck state. Composed largely of Seattle transplants, The Head and the Heart was certainly the state’s best kept secret (up until now that is). I, myself, only discovered them this past summer (after finding their eponymous self-released full-length debut); but now that they’ve just been signed to Sub Pop Records, these guys are about definitely about to, for lack of better terms, “make it big.”
Crafting beautiful songs out of the heartache, they remind us not to dwell on the pains of sadness and instead focus on the beauty of it all. Just a bunch of friends singing around a proverbial bonfire, they’ve etched out a special little niche for themselves in a genre that seems overflowing. With a focus on instrumentation, their music is a seamless meshing of rustic harmonies, piano, percussion, acoustic guitar, violin, and yes–shakers. It’s a good ‘ol foot-stompin time.
Though I honestly don’t know too much about them as a band, but what I do know is that you should give them a listen. I guarantee you will like them. “Sounds like Hallelujah” was the first track of theirs that I heard, and damn, that transition to “Momma, don’t put no gun in my hand” really hooked me. “Down in the Valley” is another stunner, and you can now download it HERE, along with a new song, for the price of FREE (a.k.a. an email address), so there isn’t really a good reason not to check them out.
[MP3]: The Head and the Heart – “Winter Song” [via]
[MP3]: The Head and the Heart – “Lost in My Mind” [via]
COVER CLASH | “These Days” (Jackson Browne, Nico, Gregg Allman, St. Vincent, Gemma Hayes, Memoryhouse, The Tallest Man On Earth)
Nico’s Chelsea Girl album art will most likely call to mind “These Days,” the hit single it spawned. However, what most people don’t realize is that Nico’s rendition, although it is the most recognized version, is actually a cover.
Written in 1968 by a wise-beyond-his-years Jackson Browne when he was only 16 (YES, 16!!), it was recorded principally by Nico, Gregg Allman, and Browne himself on separate occasions and in very distinctly different styles. But the song has found new life in the covers by St. Vincent, Gemma Hayes, The Tallest Man On Earth, and most recently, Memoryhouse–each bringing a different feeling/perspective. (more…)
Favourites of 2010 | Albums
Looking at some “best of” lists this year, it seems as though some feel that 2010 hasn’t been spectacular for music. Personally, I feel that it has been a really strong year that yielded some albums that will be in my “favourites” section for years to come. I had a tough time, but here are my favourite 15 albums of 2010. I’m still a little iffy on the ordering, save for #1-3, and had difficulty narrowing it down to my top 15, so I’ve included honourable mentions at the bottom!
[MP3] EAR CANDY | Beach House – “I Do Not Care for the Winter Sun”
Myspace | Website | Facebook | Tumblr | Twitter
Beach House doesn’t care for the Winter sun, they really don’t.
The Baltimore duo, who released what is easily my favourite album of the year, took to their twitter about an hour ago to release a free holiday song for fans!
[MP3]: Beach House – “I Do Not Care for the Winter Sun” (right-click, save as)
Sure, “I Do Not Care for the Winter Sun” isn’t exactly your typical holiday song. It isn’t all cheery and jolly (though there is a trace of bells in the foreground), nor does it evoke feelings of playing in the snow, but it is quite fitting of sitting in the dark beside the fireplace near loved ones.
So roast some marshmallows, make yourself a hot cup of hot chocolate (or eggnog…), and enjoy this take on a holiday song, courtesy of Beach House!
LISTEN UP! Australia (Pt. 3) | Tame Impala + Abbe May
Here it is: part 3 of my series on Australian music, just as I promised (albeit a little–okay, very–late). The great “Down Under” has produced many quality folk-pop singer-songwriters, but with these two bands/musicians, Australia proves that it can churn out more than just sentimental and glitter-infused tracks. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a sucker for that kind of music; it’s just good to know there’s diversity.)
Australia is also home to quality psych-rock bands like Tame Impala and bluesy sirens a la Abbe May.
EAR CANDY | Sia leaks “The Corner,” “Bye Bye Bye”
Myspace | Website | Facebook | Twitter
If you haven’t heard of Sia (Sia Furler) by now, I don’t really know what to say. The Aussie musician and songwriter has provided vocals for Zero 7, collaborated with Christina Aguilera and Beck, and of course is famous for her ‘breakout’ single, “Breathe Me,” which was featured on the finale of Six Feet Under, as well as every other dramatic television shows out there.
Of course, she is also notorious for her kooky, quirky music videos. (She tapes her face into contorted expression and sings with a plastic bag over her face on “Buttons.”) No, this girl isn’t weird at all. Well, okay, maybe she does have an overflow of creative genius, so what else is she supposed to do–right?
Sia took to her twitter last night to leak 2 free tracks–“Bye Bye Bye,” which was already released on The Babysitters (2007) movie soundtrack, and “The Corner” a ‘new’ unreleased oldie! As to why she was leaking theses track, Sia replied simply:
Guess the holidays really do put everyone in a good and giving mood!
[MP3]: Sia – “Bye Bye Bye” (right-click, save as)
[MP3]: Sia – “The Corner” (right-click, save as)
EAR CANDY | Noah and the Whale – “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.” + “Wild Thing”
Myspace | Website | Blog | Facebook
We all know the story of Noah and the Whale. How the happy-go-lucky British folk band that sang catchy, twee songs like “Five Years Time” churned out an album of heartache and heartbreak a la The First Days of Spring following the breakup between Charlie Fink and sort-of-member, Laura Marling. (Completely understandable as I’m sure Marling is tough to get over–seriously.) Their former spirit was hardly recognizable, if even noticeable, on their last album.
I, for one, thought that their more heavy material on their last album was probably some of the better stuff Fink has written lyrically, so I didn’t mind wallowing with him in his sadness.
However, old Noah and the Whale fans will be happy to know that the band will be back next year–March 2011, specifically–with a brand new album that seems to be edging back in to their bright, light hearted roots, if this next track is any indication. It seems that Fink has finally realized that there is life after Marling, and he has a new song to prove it.
[LISTEN]: Noah and the Whale – “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.”
The band has also just released “Wild Thing”, another track off their forthcoming album entitled The Last Night On Earth, for free download. This song is obviously on the opposite side of the spectrum from “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.” It’s a tad introspective and still a little sullen, but the contrast between the two tracks showcases the various sides of the indie outfit. I mean, we can’t expect to be happy all the time, can we? Enjoy!
[MP3]: Noah and the Whale – “Wild Thing” (right-click, save as)
ON THE VERGE | Oh Land
Myspace | Website | Facebook | Twitter
WHO: Nanna Øland Fabricius
WHERE: Brooklyn, NY (via Denmark)
SOUNDS LIKE: The futuristic swirls and crunchy beats of a ghost from another planet.
CLAIM TO FAME: SXSW 2009, where she caught the eye of Epic Records
FOR FANS OF: Roison Murphy, Little Dragon, Florence + the Machine
LISTEN TO: “Wolf & I,” “Rainbow”
[MP3]: Oh Land – “Sun of a Gun” (right-click, save as)
There is a sense of assuredness in the way that Oh Land sings that I can’t quite put my finger on–like she knows some sort of secret no one else knows–and you can’t help but follow her into her futuristic sonic landscapes. Maybe it’s the way she sings with a barely audible accent (that sometimes slips out on particular words) that makes her so intriguing; or maybe it’s the fact that was a dancer at the Danish Royal Ballet Academy; or maybe it’s the way she describes her music in new ways; or maybe it’s a combination of all three.
But with an opera singer for a mother and a theatre organist for a father, it was only a matter of time before Fabricius found herself experimenting in the music scene. A recent Brooklyn transplant (by way of Copenhagen, Denmark), she was scouted and snatched up by Epic Records at last year’s SXSW festival. With the release of her self-titled EP (her US and major label debut) this past October, plans are in effect for the full-length to be out sometime in 2011.
Although she has only recently had her US debut, Oh Land already has a full-length record to her name. Fauna was released exclusively in her native Denmark via Fake Diamond Records in 2008, thought it can now be downloaded on iTunes worldwide.
“Son of a Gun,” a catchy pop tune and the first single of the EP, is a little introduction to the talented sonic crafter, but it certainly isn’t the best she has to offer–only a taste of what she is fully capable of; “Wolf & I” and “Rainbow” are even catchier. Plus, her music translates surprisingly well in a live setting. (Watch her stripped down version of “Rainbow” below!)
“My goal is to sound like I’m from 2050, but still feel really classic, like the music is an old friend.”
This is clearly just the beginning for this young artist who cites Björk as one of her major influences, and it’s going to be very exciting to see what she does on her full-length next year.
[MP3]: Oh Land – “Sun of a Gun” (Savage Skulls Remix) [right-click, save as]
**To download mp3 from soundcloud player, click the arrow on its right side below “info.”
[MP3]: Oh Land – “Sun of a Gun” (Yuksek Remix)
[MP3]: Oh Land – “Sun of a Gun” (Ian Pooley Remix)
EAR CANDY | Target’s Free Holiday Album
Call it selling out or call it making a living, but I mentioned a while ago that California lo-fi buddies Best Coast and Wavves recorded a song to be part of Target’s holiday album, entitled The Christmas Gig.
Well, now the compilation of holiday music, which also features indie darlings Coconut Records (Jason Schwartzman, anyone?) and Jenny O., is up for free download! Listen to these peppy tracks while studying for finals, working long hours at the office, or decorating the tree. (I’ll be doing so while pulling all-nighters.) Enjoy!
[MP3]: Target’s Holiday Compilation
I’M OBSESSED | School of Seven Bells
Myspace | Website | Facebook | Twitter
I have no idea how I’ve just now discovered Brooklyn-based School of Seven Bells, formerly a trio consisting of Benjamin Curtis and identical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza. (Claudia announced her departure from the band on Oct. 12 via SVIIB’s facebook.) It’s okay, though. Sometimes I like being a little late to the game, because it means I have an entire back-catalogue to check out. In their case, it’s 2 LPs (Alpinisms and Disconnect From Desire, respectively) and 1 EP (Heart Is Strange).
Their sound creates a lush, and sometimes cacophonous (“Bye Bye Bye”), electric dreamscape of layers atop lilting harmonies and an assured drumbeat. For lack of better terms, their music has been described as dream-pop, shoegaze, and of course electronic–but it’s really up to you to decide. For a number of other free legal downloads of their music, check out their RCRDLBL page. (Their remixes are especially good.)
They’ve also recently released the creepy/sexy/eerie music video for “I L U” (from Disconnect From Desire), which can be viewed below. Should I be crying or should I be creeped out–I don’t really know. But it takes the phrase “love even in death” in literal terms. It’s actually kind of sweet.
[MP3]: School of Seven Bells – “Conjurr” (from Alpinisms) [right-click, save as]
[MP3]: School of Seven Bells – “Bye Bye Bye” (from Disconnect From Desire)
MP3 | Jason Collett – “Love Is A Dirty Word”
[MP3]: Jason Collett – “Love Is A Dirty Word” (right-click, save as)
Talk about a bass line.
I had a lovely interview with this Canadian rocker and part-time Broken Social Scenester yesterday. What a charming ramblin’ man.
We talked about how his transition from musical hobbyist (he was a carpenter by trade) to full-time musician has affected his writing, his process for writing and recording for his fourth full-length solo album, Rat a Tat Tat, and how he’d much rather win a CBC Radio 3 Bucky Award (his track “Love Song to Canada” is nominated for Most Canadian Song) than a Polaris Prize (he made the Long List but didn’t win).
I’ll put up my article (which I’m writing for my school’s newspaper) when it gets published, and maybe I’ll even include the transcript of the interview for those of you that are interested.
CONTEST: Brooke Fraser @ The Opera House, Toronto (Nov. 23, 2010) [CLOSED]
Myspace | Facebook | Website | Twitter
[LISTEN]: Brooke Fraser – “Ice on Her Lashes“
You lucky Torontonians are in for a treat! Kiwi songstress Brooke Fraser will be making a pit stop at Toronto‘s Opera House on November 23, 2010 for her North American tour in support of her new album, Flags. I previously wrote about Brooke’s new writing approach and reviewed the record, saying that it had a little bit of everything for everyone–pop, folk, a new narration–and showcased Fraser’s growth as an artist. Who wouldn’t want to see this singer-songwriter translate her new (and old) tracks in an intimate live performance?
Now thanks to Sideways-Media you can experience just that (for FREE!) as we have a pair of tickets to give away PLUS a signed copy of of Flags!
Follow any of the steps below for chance to win this awesome prize pack (the more steps you follow the more times you enter!):
- Follow us on Twitter and then retweet the following: “WIN TICKETS (& MORE) to see Brooke Fraser (@BrookeFraser) in #Toronto on Nov.23. Follow @MindfulEarful and retweet! http://bit.ly/dq2uBn“
- Email mindfulearful (at) gmail (dot) com and include: “I Want to See Brooke Fraser” in the subject line and your full name in the body.
CONTEST CLOSES NOV. 19th at 2 PM EST. Winner will be announced later that day.
EDIT: A big thank you to Sideways-Media and everyone who entered the contest. Congratulations to the winner!
Check out the rest of Brooke’s North American tour dates (including Vancouver) after the jump!
(more…)
