In this first part of our November roundup, we take a look at A Fine Frenzy’s festive offering, the unstoppable power of An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump, and a revamped Pepi Ginsberg.

* * *

A Fine Frenzy
Oh Blue Christmas EP •••½
Virgin

When Alison Sudol released her second album Bomb In A Birdcage earlier this year, huge commercial success seemed assured. Word of mouth regarding her 2007 debut One Cell In The Sea had secured her over a million ‘followers’ on Twitter, but pulling the pin to catalyse a chart-busting follow-up proved more difficult and Bomb In A Birdcage spent just one week inside the Billboard Top 100 albums. Sudol must surely be a little disappointed, but the title of this EP can’t be taken as any indication of that. Recorded months before the release of Bomb In A Birdcage, during a sticky LA summer, it’s an enjoyable set of three Christmas classics and three original songs.

Among the former, Sudol’s eerie reinvention of ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ that stands out the most, a weeping pedal steel cascading through waves of horns, piano and strings, though the mandolin tickled ‘Winter Wonderland’ comes close with Sudol’s twinkling, mannered vocal bringing out her playful side. Of the originals, ‘Red Ribbon Foxes’ is luminous and crisp, Sudol’s mysterious lyrics hinting at a deeper tale, while ‘Winter White’ and ‘Wish You Well’ tap more obviously into relationships gone awry but don’t feel indulgent. “Merry Christmas / happy goddamn New Year,” she snaps on ‘Winter White’, providing Oh Blue Christmas with its punchiest, most relatable moment. An unexpected pleasure.

Alan Pedder
UK release date: 03/11/09; www.myspace.com/afinefrenzy

An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump
Buy A Life EP ••••
Buy A Life

This East London trio have been gathering underground momentum since emerging late last year with their debut EP, These Sins. Armed with some disturbingly wicked sounds and an air of unspoken fuck-you assuredness, C-Bird, D-Bird and X-Bird are more girl-gang than girl-group, with a mile-wide independent streak that Wears The Trousers loves.

Recorded over the summer with the help of Tim Burgess of The Charlatans, Buy A Life is the band’s first release on their fledgling label of the same name. Disappointingly short at just three songs, it nonetheless packs a punch with all the simmering immediacy that has so far characterised their music. Working with two bass guitars and minimal drums played standing up, it’s an atmospheric, thudding trinity that recalls Joy Division, The Jesus & Mary Chain and Sonic Youth. Intense, atmospheric and enthralling, it’s an excellent introduction for those who haven’t yet discovered this exciting trio.

Charlotte Richardson Andrews
UK release date: 30/11/09; www.myspace.com/anexperimentonabirdintheairpump

Pepi Ginsberg
Shake This EP •••
Park The Van

For years now Wears The Trousers has been shouting the grand name of Pepi Ginsberg, a musical poet from Philadelphia whose delicate and slightly blue compositions are an absolute treasure find with lyrics that thoughtfully stir in the mind. From the raw brilliance of her debut album Orange Juice: Stephanie/Stephanie to the more subtle instrumentation and bluesy themes of last year’s Red, she’s been consistently exciting.

Reflecting on these previous works, Shake This is surprising to say the least. While there were hints on Red that she might venture into a more rhythmically led sphere, Shake This winds up much closer to straightforward indie-pop than we might have expected. Opener ‘The Joker In Faith’ evolves nonchalantly, the drums providing an easy rhythm, as the slightly timid and free-spirited vocals that were so inspiring seem to have found a tonality that is almost foreign to her more confident musical outpourings. The title track heads in an equally casual direction with a pulsating but undemanding rhythm, Ginsberg’s dramatic voice trying to bridge the gap. We’re all for exploring new sounds, but in a way Shake This feels like Ginsberg and her band have traded in their engaging quirks for wider pop appeal.

Anja McCloskey
UK release date: 20/11/09; www.myspace.com/pepiginsberg

Its about that time when I give into the powers that be, and begin to play my favorite winter tunes that keep me warm despite the cold (or, not so cold in the case of this winter). I’ve created ‘A Snowy Playlist’ of recommendations in my iTunes that I want to share with you.

(Both songs and original movie scores are included, as I am a sucker for a good compilation)

A Snowy Playlist:

All That I Want- The Weepies

Wish You Well- A Fine Frenzy

PM’s Love Theme- Craig Armstrong from Love Actually

Men of Snow- Ingrid Michaelson

2000 Miles- Coldplay

Winterlove- Parachute

Winter Song- Sara Barielles & Ingrid Michaelson

Cry- Hans Zimmer from The Holiday

The Heartache Can Wait- Brandi Carlile

Christmas Time is Here- A Fine Frenzy

He and I had something beautiful
But so dysfunctional, it couldn’t last
I loved him so but I let him go
‘Cause I knew he’d never love me back

Such pain as this
Shouldn’t have to be experienced
I’m still reeling from the loss,
Still a little bit delirious

Near to you, I am healing
But it’s taking so long
‘Cause though he’s gone
And you are wonderful
It’s hard to move on
Yet, I’m better near to you.

You and I have something different
And I’m enjoying it cautiously
I’m battle scarred, I am working oh so hard
To get back to who I used to be

He’s disappearing
Fading suddelly
I’m so close to being yours
Won’t you stay with me
Please

Near to you, I am healing
But it’s taking so long
‘Cause though he’s gone
And you are wonderful
It’s hard to move on
Yet, I’m better near to you.

I only know that I am
Better where you are
I only know that I am
Better where you are
I only know that I belong
Where you are

Near to you, I am healing
But it’s taking so long
Though he’s gone
And you are wonderful
It’s hard to move on

Near to you, I am healing
But it’s taking so long
‘Cause though he’s gone
And you are wonderful
It’s hard to move on
Yet, I’m better near to you.

Yet, I’m better near to you.

HAHAHAHA I wish. It’s more like minus thirty. Well not really, but if you spend your entire life in a skating rink, you sure feel that way at the end of every day. So, welcome to my life at the moment. Wondered why I haven’t been posting? That’s because I’m TRAINING FOR NATIONALS!!!! Which means… if I place high enough… OLYMPICS 2010!!!!!

So, yeah. This also means the press circuit has started. Wow. Sam told me to shut up and count my blessings because she’s a princess and gets this 24/7. So yeah, I guess I’ll shut up. But first I’m going to post this article from USA TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And for the record, I’m not taking a semester off school, I went part-time and I’m only taking organic chemistry and the lab. I’m in school from 8:30-9:30am MWF and 8-11am on Tuesdays. That’s it. It’s kind-of nice but also like, skating overload.

Flannery top contestant in the skate to Vancouver
“Nothing can hold me back”
Omaha, NE—November 12,2009: At first glance, Olympic hopeful Cate Flannery appears to be a normal sophomore in college. She lives in the dorms with a few of her friends, belongs to a sorority, and fills her free time with activities that will help her get into medical school. But even in the classroom, Flannery, a native of Kennebunk, ME, stands out. Rounding out her 28 AP credits, Flannery spent her first semester completing her basic classes and doing some intensive skating practice so she would come into Creighton University with junior standing. As a member of the honors program, Flannery had the chance to become immersed in her major the minute she stepped on-campus. And for a studious pre-medical student who is also hoping to compete in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, her advanced academic standing in all areas has really paid off. “Coming in as a junior and being able to take upper-level classes right away is what will enable me to graduate in four years while still being committed to skating, and pursue a biochemistry/physics double major.” Yes, double major—in the two subjects most college students hate. “Physics makes you think,” Flannery explains, “and biochem really applies to medicine.”
Placing third in Worlds last year and second in Nationals has Flannery set to be a top contender for one of the two spots the US has been offered in women’s figure skating. “I intend to take one of those spots.”
Flannery is nothing but devoted. She should have been out of the running already, as a childhood illness took her away from skating for two years. “I didn’t let that stop me from achieving my dream. It just made me want it more.” Flannery cites her coach, Jennifer O’Halleran, as the inspiration to work hard and stick to skating. “Even when I was at my worst, if I was able to skate, she made me and she wouldn’t take any excuses. I learned not to let myself take any excuses either.” Flannery even chose her college because of O’Halleran, picking a school near where O’Halleran had relocated. Flannery has taken a semester’s leave from school so she can focus on skating. Flannery was homeschooled during her illness, and continued to homeschool afterwards because it gave her more flexibility with skating and academics. “I was able to graduate early, and still practice more than most of the girls at my rink who went to regular school. And I needed to catch up.” In addition to her academic and skating skills, Flannery is also an accomplished sailor. She spent six months of what would have been her senior year of high school traveling the world on a ship with her Venturing crew. “I gained so much from that experience. I got to see things I never thought I’d see, and I learned that I can handle pretty much any situation that comes my way. I also spent most of the trip unable to skate, but I was able to practice ballet to keep my flexibility.”

Ok, so I have been neglecting this blog, big time…But this is not the typical, listing excuses for why I am a bad blogger, and promising to do better. I have been neglecting this blog for good reason. I have been working on a new project that I am very excited about and so proud of. It’s called Note Girls Write, and you can read more about it here. The Cliff’s Notes version is this….a photo essay project about girls, of all ages. Glimpses into their minds and hearts, told through their own writing. Sounds simple, but, if you take a minute to read the notes….see the images, you will see that it is so much more than that.

Over the last few weeks, I have gotten to photograph some of the coolest ladies, and their words never fail to make me smile. In such a short time, this project has taken off, and is growing in leaps and bounds, which tells me that this project is affecting others in the same way.

I wanted to take a minute to share a few of the images I have gotten to photograph in these last few weeks.

Gillian

Desiree

Suzie

Emily

Alison

Ok, so this was an unusually serious blog entry for me. Kind of a foreign thing around here. So, I want to leave you with a story about what a dork I am. The girl in the above image is Alison Sudol, from A Fine Frenzy. I wanted to go take her note shot like it was business as usual for me, but I am a huge fan. Apparently, for me huge fan=babbling idiot. I mean, my big opener was, “Hi, I’m Melodee. I’m reading Steppenwolf.” Now, she did start a twitter book club thing, asking if people wanted to read and discuss the book, Steppenwolf, which I am…but still. Come on. I could have told her the show was awesome. I could have opened with thanking her for writing her note. Nope. Steppenwolf. And I am sure it only got worse from there. Moral of the story? The next photo shoot with someone I am a huge fan of….should be handled by Lynsey….or..I should tape my mouth shut. Yeah, that could work.

Also…A Fine Frenzy has a Christmas album out, that is available exclusively at Target and on itunes. You should really check it out. Red Ribbon Foxes is so pretty. Ok, gushing fangirl spiel over.

Alison Sudol from A Fine Frenzy.

I’m sure some of you might think I’m crazy, but Tuesdays can be one of the best days of the week–especially when long-awaited albums hit the shelves. Last week I could have blown almost an entire paycheck on newly released albums (ok, that may be a bit of an exaggeration). Bon Jovi released, The Circle, Switchfoot’s Hello Hurricane hit the shelves (listen to Mess of Me) and A Fine Frenzy put out a Christmas album–Oh Blue Christmas. I have to admit, I wasn’t overly thrilled (and nothing but love for Jon and the gang) by The Circle. But, trust me, that hasn’t stopped me from getting tickets for his show in Atlanta on April 15. I am, however, loving the entire Hello Hurricane album! And Alison Sudol stayed true to her sultry, amost other-worldly sound on Oh Blue Christmas. The only other thing I could have asked for from the album was more songs (there are only six).

Today, John Mayer’s Battle Studies went on sale. I’m particularly enjoying the song, Assassin, off the album. Friends, Lovers or Nothing is also really good! The Swell Season also recently issued a new album, Strict Joy. Check out Low Rising here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5KV1Lf2NkY

1) You Verses The Sea
2) Sundays
3) Sun
4) The End of Everything I Loved
5) Simple, Starving To Be Safe
6) Pollen And Salt

Extra Goodness:

1) The Beacon- A Fine Frenzy
2) Hysteric- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3) The Pieces Don’t Fit Anymore- James Morrison
4) Satellite Mind- Metric
5) What Sarah Said- Death Cab For Cutie

I made this for my dear friend kirstie.  I thought you all would enjoy it too though!

love…

ria♥

Alison pode ter conseguido sua quota de atenção com seu debut em 2007, One Cell in The Sea, mas boa parte do encantamento inicial foi drenado pelas críticas à pretensão do trabalho da moça e por fim esquecido, numa suposta confirmação de que a era das rockers que teve seu apogeu em meados dos anos 90, já chegou ao fim e esse formato não tem mais espaço dentro da música sem que algo realmente estonteante seja apresentado. E fato é que apesar de fofinho, o cd da moça foi muito mais ou menos para tanta atenção: letras mais ou menos, arranjos mais ou menos, voz mais ou menos… tirando o ear candy que fechava o álbum, Borrowed Time, havia pouco ali que salvasse o álbum dos bocejos. E fique imaginando se a garota, que vendia seu piano numa tentativa de mostrar sua influência da banda Radiohead (mas se muito conseguia proximidade de um Coldplay circa A Rush Of Blood to the Head), tivesse esticado naquela fórmula, mais ligada ao violão e ao vocal que à truques que hoje já são lugar comum (vejam a inundação de sucessos piano-based dessa década e entenderão do que falo).

E foi com felicidade que comecei a ouvir Bomb In a Birdcage, já que não precisei de 30 segundos para notar que a coisa agora seria diferente. Ao invés de pintar uma imagem maior do que era capaz de sustentar, What I Woudn’t Do segue no caminho confortável que tornou a trilha de Juno um sucesso comercial: composição leve, abre o cd com a faixa mais simples já composta pela moça, segurada por um violão e a voz da moça ligeiramente narrativa, com um sutil trabalho de cordas fake-folkeando a coisa, mimicando truques do lo-fi. Se a descrição parece clichê/negativa, bem, a faixa uptempo é na verdade um trabalho mais convidativo em teoria do que parece.

E esse é sem dúvida alguma o maior trunfo da ruiva nesse álbum. Em pouco mais de 42 minutos de duração divididos em 11 faixas, Bomb In a Birdcage na teoria é apenas mais um álbum de uma cantora pouco distinguível, repleto de composições simples, com ares retrôs, atrelada a um violão/guitarra/piano e nada de original. Na prática, é um triunfo do uptempo nessa nova geração de herdeiras do rock dos 00’s, com faixas muito bem marcadas, vocais cristalinos, letras elegantes, refrões empolgantes e uma boa dose de preciosismo. What I Woudn’t Do traz ambas as descrições acima bem claras, e por sua característica mais enérgica, introduz New Heights, outra faixa carregada pelo piano do catálogo da moça, de forma diferente das baladinhas do seu álbum de estréia. Aqui, New Heights vem grandiosa de verdade, e o vocal da moça cede espaço aos instrumentos para que as marcações da faixa jamais soem empedradas, com mudanças constantes nos intrumentais sutis da faixa deixando-a viva até seu último segundo.

E esse encadeamento vitorioso é uma das virtudes de Bomb In a Birdcage. Cada faixa é uma preciosidade por si só, mas os encadeamentos costuram perfeitamente os diversos climas desenvolvidos dentro do álbum. E quando notamos que a primeira faixa lenta do álbum, Swan Song, está a apenas uma faixa de distância da enérgica Blow Away, palmas tem que ser concedidas pela transição suave executada pela faixa Happier, uma deliciosa composição onde piano e violão complementam a voz da moça e backing vocals complementam os intrumentais e a coisa vai ganhando camadas interessantes mesmo com seu tempo ligeiramente reduzido. E se a segunda metade do álbum apresenta composições mais opulentes, as transições que levaram até lá são sempre gentis e a composição dessa vez vem afiada, fazendo com que cada faixa funcione como escapismo mental puro e simples (mesmo a grandiosa Stood Up com seu orquestral opulente sobrevive à pretensão, sendo colocada devagar em nossas orelhas, o que torna a experiência mais palatável) ou como pequeno exercício analítico devido aos instrumentais intrincados (Novamente New Heights aqui, galera), já que mesmo que na verdade não haja nada de cair o queixo a execução é inteligente e mantém as faixas vivas e interessantes.

Alison num primeiro momento tinha o piano como maior aliado e bebia de Sigur Rós. Aqui seu maior aliado é a banda que a acompanha e seu cardápio tem débito alto à cantoras como Feist e Cat Power. Bomb In A Birdcage pode não ser único, pode não ser um stand out, mas como álbum é uma coletânea de pequenas gemas costuradas de forma inteligente trazendo sempre um prazer novo a cada audição, sem com isso ter que prender quem o escuta à conceitos externos ou idéias chamativas. Consegue isso sendo apenas um atestado de que boa música por si só já basta.

Nota: 8

Bomb In a Birdcage (senha: minte)

HELLO!

i want to watch bandslam! ):

 i like miss hudgens’ name in the movie; sa5m (the five is silent.) hahahah! very clever. here is a list of longs i’m in love with right now; not in order.

• Jump then fall – Taylor Swift
• Give in to me – Michael Jackson
• 99 Times – Kate Voegele
• Long Shot – Kelly Clarkson (originally by Katy Perry)
• Speechless – Michael Jackson

And a few other songs by A Fine Frenzy. (: you guys should listen to her music. It’s really beautiful. Just search for her songs on YouTube or MySpace.

Dot Dot Dot, How Long
Marnie Stern, Grapefruit
Gossip, 8th Wonder
Stellastarr, Warchild
Mum, If I Were a Fish
Stars, Midnight Coward
Orenda Fink, Sister
Garrison Starr, Pauper
Rikah, Day After Day
Staci Twigg, Not Like You
His & Her Vanities, What It Is
Star 69, I’m Selfish
U.S.E., Dance With Me
Splendora, Rattle
The Bloodsugars, Light at the End of the Tunnel
The Spinanes, Suffice
Big Bang TV, Diamond
The Sounds, Queen of Apology
The Cribs, We Share the Same Skies
Regina Spektor, Somedays
A Fine Frenzy, What I Wouldn’t Do
The Soviettes, Bottom’s Up, Bottomed Out
Brilliant Colors, I Searched
The Softies, All in Good Time
Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, Applesweet
Some Girls, Launch Pad
Globes on Remote, Space Camp
Solex, Randy Costanza
Deluka, OMFG
Slumber Party, I Don’t Mind
Smoosh, Bottlenose
Kendra Smith, Temporarily Lucy

É, quem diria. Se em algum momento o som da Alison foi influenciado por Radiohead e Sigur Rós eu tenho lá minhas ressalvas, mas era ela quem dizia, quem sou eu pra discordar. Fato é que Radiohead e Sigur Rós são bandas, e de banda para singer-songwritter rola uma severa diferença que parece que a ruiva aprendeu. E se o som do novo single, Blow Away diz algo sobre os novos rumos do som da moça, famosa por suas baladinhas Almost Lover e Come on, Come out, é que agora o som da moça largou certa pretensiosidade de lado, que se antes ao menos mostrava que a garota almejava muito, agora mostra que ela faz aquilo que sabe.

O single, carro chefe do surpreendente Bomb In A Birdcage, é uma deliciosa combinação de alguns dos pontos mais fortes do álbum anterior com alguns novos truques que a moça desenvolve com graça e leveza, deixando tudo despretensiosamente meticuloso. Puxado por uma bateria e um trabalho de cordas bem mais uptempo que o som assinatura da moça, o crescendo de instrumentos durante a faixa recheia o refrão por completo, mas é o violão que fica grudado, emoldurando a voz da moça em uma de suas melhores entregas de estúdio até agora. Ligeiros vícios de Regina Spektor pontuam a interpretação da letra que, pra variar, vem com algumas contruções inteligentes para ficar cantarolando. E se você ouvir o refrão dessa música, que é como primavera enagarrafada, e não ficar nem um pouco tentado a acompanhar a moça, melhor fechar sua playlist de darkmood songs e abrir a janela. Tem muita escuridão dentro de você!

Abrindo mão da pretensiosidade que destacava a moça na teoria (Radiohead) e abraçando as singularidades do real movimento da qual saíram as comparações que rondaram seu trabalho de estréia (Sarah McLachlan, Rachel Yamagata) não foi realmente um step back. O gostosinho One Cell In The Sea foi um trabalho melhor na teoria que na prática. Blow Away é algo que na prática ficou surpreendentemente melhor que na teoria.

Nota: 8

Blow Away para download.

A friend sent me the words to this song.  I fell in love with it.  I do want to sing it now♫

enjoy!

“Stood Up” by A Fine Frenzy

This song is about fighting, a revolution, protest, being fearless… either way it sure does empower me especially when I’m feeling weak.

3.5/5

A Fine Frenzy is the stage name of singer-songwriter pianist Alison Sudol. I heard some buzz about her when she played out in Northampton a year or so ago. “Bomb in a Birdcage” is her sophomore release; it is a strong album but sort of flat lines on an intensity scale. It’s by no means a poor album for that; frankly with some of the music I hear these days “Bomb in a Birdcage” should be praised in front of a large wooden owl in a secret society somewhere…

On to the album. Upon first listening I found nothing to grasp on to. It seemed standard faire “woman with piano singing”.  There wasn’t even glottal stops or cleverly crafted vocal noises (ok there’s a few) that Kate Nash and Regina Spektor use to keep me interested. However upon subsequent listens the strong songs began to show themselves.

In my haste to label A Fine Frenzy into “girl with piano” I neglected to see that there is quite a variety of instrumentation on this album. One of the strongest tracks on the album is “Wouldn’t Do” the song is carried mostly by acoustic guitar and clockwork-clapping. The vibes coming off this song seem very organic. “Blow Away” the lead single also features mostly guitar and some violins. Both songs are upbeat in tempo but introspective with somewhat melancholy lyrics. “Happier” fits into this mold quite well, but for some reason stood out to me faster than the other two songs, perhaps it’s the melody of the chorus “you’ll be gone and I’ll be happier” that’s repeated multiple times. All three songs begin to shine upon second and third listening.

The album hovers around mid-tempo numbers with a few exceptions. “Swan Song” brings the album down a notch and benefits intensely from the use of lap steel. This song is best described as a lamentation of past decisions. The music and the lyrics combine for a truly engrossing experience.

The flat line of intensity gets a shot of adrenaline for the song “Stood Up”. It’s quite jarring at first but after repeated listening it’s grown to be one of my favorites on the album. It has a very anthemic vibe to it and is heavier than other songs on the album. It seems like a bit of experimentation outside of her normal comfort zone but it pays of well evoking the feeling that I should be holding a sign somewhere protesting… something.

The lyrics throughout the album are well crafted; instrumentation generally works well with the lyrics to create palpable moods.

If you’re in the mood for an uplifting, sometimes melancholy, heartfelt album with a dash of rocking out ability, this album is worth it.

Blow Away

Swan Song

Stood Up

“You Picked Me” – A Fine Frenzy

One, two, three
Counting out the signs we see
The tall buildings
Fading in the distance
Only dots on a map
Four, five, six
The two of us a perfect fit
You’re all mine, all mine

And all I can say
Is you blow me away

Like an apple on a tree
Hiding out behind the leaves
I was difficult to reach
But you picked me
Like a shell upon a beach
Just another pretty piece
I was difficult to see
But you picked me
Yeah you picked me

So softly
Rain against the windows
And the strong coffee
Warming up my fingers
In this fisherman’s house
You got me
Searched the sand
And climbed the tree
And brought me back down

And all I can say
Is you blow me away

Like an apple on a tree
Hiding out behind the leaves
I was difficult to reach
But you picked me
Like a shell upon a beach
Just another pretty piece
I was difficult to see
But you picked me
Yeah you picked me