Album “Grrr…”

Par Bishop Allen – Track #7 “True or False”

Date de sortie: 10 mars 2009

Label: Dead Oceans

Stéréotypes: Indie Rock US

Liens: site de l’artiste – myspace – label

at The Bell House 11/21/09

Bishop Allen

Throw Me The Statue

Darwin Deez

To see complete gallery on Prefix click here.

I woke up and I was hungry. A delicious turkey sandwich was ready for me to attack. This is the song I pleasured my ears with.

Enjoy the music, and go here to get free tickets.

Thanks earfarm

so, i will admit.  this band took a little while to grow on me.  i wasn’t sure what to think, and i didn’t hear a big variety of their music.  upon more listening, this band grew and grew and grew on me.  the more you listen, and once you see them live, you realize their musicality, and how each word is extremely carefully chosen and pronounced; i think that is what struck me most at this latest concert–you watch and can tell how purposeful each word is, and i love that.

certain songs of theirs have gained a lot of significance to me, some have just really resonated with me, and some make me tap my foot and dance around in my chair at work. i just love them!

and yes, i totally was that gushy girl–the lead singer was at the merch booth during the opening acts and i stopped by and talked to him, telling him how much i enjoy their music and how much i was looking forward to the show. hopefully i didn’t sound too much like a 13 year old girl. i highly recommend giving them a try!

This is the second time I’ve seen Bishop Allen and this show was certainly much more appealing than the previous one. The first time I saw them was at the Troubadour and I felt that it was a bit lackluster. However, the energy and stage presence was so much better this time.

For this show, the venue organizers did this really cool thing were showgoers were able to flow in and out of the Echo (which sits above the Echoplex) and the Echoplex. Two different shows were going on simultaneously in both venues with a diverse lineup.

This night, I went with a fellow journalist friend named Aneesah who’s pretty damn rad and way too funny hen she’s had some drinks. Before the show, we stopped at a local taco place on Sunset blvd. and had some delicious tacos with horchata. During our meal, a cute server approached us and complimented Aneesah’s braids and we broke out in laughter because it was so damn awkward; it was a Kodak moment.

After our girlish thrill, we headed to the Echo. There was a small line near the entrance but we were in in no time. We handed our ID’s, which is this still exciting since I just turned 21, paid our $8 measly dollars (a great deal by the way) and headed down the dark staircase leading to the Echoplex.

We found our way to the bar and seeking an Adios for Aneesah to get her drink on. The bartender neared and we ordered the drink. He quickly prepared it and placed it before Aneesah. “It’s 11 dollards” he said. Aneesah’s mouth dropped and  we looked at each other in disbelief. We split the bill to save each other from near bankruptcy. I decided to instead opt for a vodka cranberry for $6.

We walked in the dimly lighted room and plopped onto an empty oversized, raised chair and sipped our drinks. We waited for about 15 minutes, slowly losing our inhibitions. The stage light up and we walked towards it as four people lined up at center stage.

Darwin Steeez jammed to several 80’s classic tunes and Top 40 songs such as Beyonce’ s “Single Ladies.” The band complimented their songs with quirky dance moves straight from the streets of Brooklyn when Beat Boys were hot. Their set was fun and musically fruitful.

Next was Throw Me At The Statue. Their sound was solid but the stage presence was lacking. It seemed as though much of the crowd felt the same way because the crowd slowly started to thin out and conversations began to overpower the performance.

Headlining, Bishop Allen quickly set up their gear and began. They played such songs as “Click, Click, Click,” “Butterfly Nets,” and “Middle Management.” Their stage presence as they avoided just standing around. Overall, it was a healthy performance and people were raving about the band as they left at the end of the night.

It was a great night filled with random, unnecessary laughs and beautifully creative music. And Aneesah had a blast as well.

$10 over 21, $13 under 21

Sometimes I think about how much more content this blog would have if it was more of a collective, with multiple contributers, rather than just me but eh– you wouldn’t get “the full JP experience” (Are you experienced?) this way. Ha. Doesn’t matter now. Here’s another music/video dump: this time — stuff from October that I’ve had on lock for a bit, but haven’t gotten around to posting on here. I’m hoping that you’ll get fresh November content within this month. So here we go. This is my October Isht.

George Michael’s “Freedom ‘90″.
I remember watching this on MTV, and then later on VH1. I remember watching the Pop Up Video episode that this was on. I know every single word, and I can still do a pretty good imitation of Naomi’s dance with combat boots and headphones on.  I pretend to be Cindy Crawford when I crawl out of the shower. I still kinda want Linda Evangelista’s haircut. 4:36-5:35 is my favorite part. Clearly, I can name every single supermodel in this video– god I love this song.

Frente’s “Bizarre Love Triangle”.
It’s so simple. While this cover is a stripped down bare bones version of New Order’s single, it really works.

Earlimart’s “Unintentional Tape Manipulatoins”.
Fuzzy is sexy.

Bishop Allen’s “True or False”.
This video was selected purely on its visual elements, as it’s a little twee for me to be honest. But man do I have such a wide-on* for those fringe dresses. And I really want a lace minidress because I secretly want to be gothic version of Nancy Sinatra — so would that make me Anita Pallenberg?

The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”.
One of the few Beatles songs I actually really enjoy. Just listen to it and let the sense of yearning and urgency roll over you like waves.

The Stone’s “Sister Morphine”.

My Bloody Valentine’s “Only Shallow”.

Young Love’s “One to Ten”.
Another vid pick where the actual tunez are a little whack, but the visuals are so good. Broken glass, blood everywhere– ah! It’s like a Dario Argento softcore film, or a Skinimax snuff film.Yes, I realize I’ve got a sick sense of humor and turn ons that I’m sure only Eli Roth would enjoy. Sue me.

Marvin Gaye’s “Sunny”.
Probably another cover that I prefer over the German disco original.

Holy Ghost!’s “I Will Come Back”.

Thin Lizzy’s “Emerald”.

Pentagram’s “Sign of the Wolf”.

And that’s been it mostly. I know you’re like wait– what about the Halloween jams? I listen to that year round. And I think I posted some great stuff from last year. What? You want at least one Halloween jam? Well here you go:

KXVO’s “Pumpkin Dance”.

Enjoy.

* Wide-on’s been a term that I’ve been borrowing/trying on from Ned of Boner Party. I’m still trying to see if it sticks, and whether or not I like it.

Bishop Allen is on tour now, check out dates on their myspace page

Bevan and I followed up our La Roux concert experience with Bishop Allen this Friday.
We had a bit of an adventure- the doors weren’t open until 9pm and the bands weren’t going to start until 10pm. Didn’t really feel up for openers so we decided to gallivant and chit chat.

Bevan is a bit of a “strange stranger” magnet. You have to somewhat prepare yourself for an evening with her as they seem to seek her out from all corners of the city.
We had a few run-ins but most were just weird men trying to compliment us while completely high/intoxicated. Easily handled with a “Thanks. Taken”.

The LCBO that we went to had a MASSIVE line up just to get in- New Years-like. This photo really doesn’t do it justice, but there were two lines from the cash to the very back of the store.

And of course we decided to be Rockstars.

Anyone familiar with Toronto knows Sneaky Dee’s and I hadn’t been in ages so Bevan and I decided to consume what they call the “King’s Crown” which could feed a family of four.

Observe its majesty:

The concert was amazing- got to talk to Justin Rice when we first walked in and also got a good spot although we showed up past 11pm

I also took a few short videos- the camera’s batteries were dying
Click, Click, Click, Click:

Middle Management:

The end of Flight 180- easily one of my favorite songs by them- shame I couldn’t get the whole thing

And of course, autographed discs:

K

Grrr… is the third LP from Brooklyn band Bishop Allen, lead by central members Justin Rice and Christian Rudder. The band, formed in 2003, have released two other full length albums (Charm School and The Broken String), as well as the EP project, in which the band released an EP every month for a year.

Grrr… is the follow up to The Broken String which was released in 2007, the minor..ish success of that album, which saw the band featured in the film Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (in which they make a brief cameo) and on a Sony advert, has not gone to their heads. For Grrr… the band has managed to avoid falling into the classic pitfalls of overproduction (Muse) or incredible self-indulgence (The Decemberists). Instead the album is stripped down, for Bishop Allen its like the infamous ‘Wall of Sound’, was never invented, but the album doesn’t suffer as a result. In fact it’s probably what helps to set it aside from so much similar music that’s around at the moment. For example, the ‘sound’ of Bishop Allen isn’t too far from Sufjan Stevens (check out the new song on this blog) but unlike Sufjan’s new songs it’s not plagued by clicks and whirs. Now I like a good click and whir (you can make that sexual if you want, it just means you are a bit of a pervert), but its kind of refreshing to hear someone rely solely on the song writing, which is excellent on this record.

Rice’s voice is consistent throughout the album and never bores, which is unusual as his voice is a bit overly emotional and weedy but it seems to work well here. I have to admit to being a bit of a fan of Rice as I recently saw him in the film Harmony and Me, where he played the lead character Harmony brilliantly. The film revolves around the central characters break-up with a girl and involves song writing inflicted with some of most blunt and dry comedy I have seen.

Normally at this point I would suggest highlight songs but for this album it’s probably a shorter list if I say that the only two songs I don’t like are ‘Rooftop Brawl’ and ‘The Magpie’, the other eleven songs are all great.

If I had one criticism of the album it would be that it is a bit too long, although the vast majority of the songs are excellent, it’s almost as if it is too much to take! I really think that most albums would benefit from being a maximum of 10 songs long, 8 or 9 is probably better. I’m not sure why this is but some of my favourite albums are shorter rather than longer.

In short (see what I did there) get a hold of Grrr…, it won’t disappoint and shows that sometimes it’s nice to go back to basics.

4/5

If you liked this you might also like; Sufjan Stevens, Kimya Dawson and Sin Fang Bous

I’ve never seen Bishop Allen before, but I’ve heard some amazing things from people I highly respect. Which makes me all the more excited that they are kicking off their national tour in Cambridge at The Middle East Downstairs on October 27th (and perhaps an encore performance at Club Hell in Providence?). Check out all the dates after the jump to see if they’re coming to a city near you. Throw Me The Statue and Darwin Deez will be heading out with the boys in Bishop Allen as support.

Tour Dates:
10/27 :: Cambridge, MA :: Middle East Downstairs
10/28 :: Providence, RI :: Club Hell
10/29 :: Montreal, QC :: Il Motore
10/30 :: Toronto, ON :: El Mocambo
11/01 :: Pontiac, MI :: The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom
11/02 :: Madison, WI :: High Noon Saloon
11/03 :: Omaha, NE :: Slowdown
11/06 :: Vancouver, BC :: The Media Club
11/07 :: Seattle, WA :: Chop Suey
11/08 :: Portland, OR :: Doug Fir Lounge
11/09 :: San Francisco, CA :: The Rickshaw Shop
11/10 :: Los Angeles, CA :: El Rey Theatre
11/11 :: Phoenix, AZ :: Modified Arts
11/13 :: Austin, TX :: Mohawk
11/14 :: Ft Worth, TX :: Lola’s
11/15 :: Little Rock, AR :: Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack
11/17 :: Newport, KY :: Southgate House
11/18 :: Philadelphia, PA :: Johnny Brenda’s
11/20 :: Brooklyn, NY :: Union Hall
11/21 :: Brooklyn, NY :: Bell House

Brooklyn indie-rock outfit Bishop Allen is going on tour to support their latest full-length Grrr… which was released earlier this year.


The band will be playing the following dates over the next month. The band plans to unveil some new songs at these dates so try and make it out and have a good time.

10/27/09 Cambridge, MA – Middle East Downstairs
10/29/09 Montreal, QC – Il Motore
10/30/09 Toronto, ON – El Mocambo
11/01/09 Pontiac, MI – The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom
11/02/09 Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
11/03/09 Omaha, NE – Slowdown
11/06/09 Vancouver, BC – The Media Club
11/07/09 Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
11/08/09 Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
11/09/09 San Francisco, CA – The Rickshaw Shop
11/10/09 Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
11/13/09 Austin, TX – Mohawk
11/14/09 Ft Worth, TX – Lola’s
11/15/09 Little Rock, AR – Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack
11/21/09 Brooklyn, NY – Bell House

Bishop Allen – Dimmer

Website
MySpace
Purchase

Song: Clik, Clik, Clik, Clik
Band: Bishop Allen
Album: The Broken String (2007)
Label: Spunk

Blogophilia 11

RIGHT CLICK-’SAVE AS’-COVER ART TO DOWNLOAD!!!

Blogophilia 11
songs from Blogs
8/16/09-9/7/09

Ripped @ 256K VBR

01. Introduction
02. These United States – I Want You To Keep Everything
03. Throw Me The Statue – Ancestors
04. Bishop Allen – The Lion & The Teacup
05. Wild Beasts – All the King’s Men
06. Slaraffenland – Meet and Greet
07. My Were They – Mossy and Green
08. The Black Hollies – Run With Me Run
09. Royal Bangs – My Car is Haunted
10. Spiral Beach – Domino
11. The Strange Boys – Poem Party
12. Venice Is Sinking – Ryan’s Song
13. The Postmarks – My Lucky Charm
14. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Higher Than The Stars
15. Netherfriends – Friends with Lofts
16. A.A. Bondy – When The Devil’s Loose
17. Mimicking Birds – Rivers, Veins,and Roots
18. Choir of Young Believers – Action/Reaction
19. Pete Yorn – Shotgun
20. The Wooden Birds – Hometown Fantasy
21. The National & St.Vincent – Sleep All Summer

This edition of Blogophilia features a great cover of Crooked Fingers’ Sleep All Summer by The National and St. Vincent. There are 16 artists new to the Blogophilia series on this round. Wild Beasts’ All the King’s Men is a holdover from Blogophilia 10 as is Bishop Allen’s The Lion & Teacup. Hey, I only have so much room for each volume! I am happy to include these tracks on this edition.

My personal faves are River, Veins and Roots by Mimicking Birds, Mossy and Green by My Were They, and Ancestors by Throw Me The Statue. I have an unwritten rule about featuring two tracks per album via the Blogophilia mixes. I could easily feature 4 or 5 tracks from the new Throw Me The Statue album, Creaturesque. Catchy tunes that won’t leave you feeling like a sell out!

Again, there a few bands doing the sixties thing with the Postmarks harkening back to Petula Clark (at least in my mind–the whole album is Twee-crazy), The Black Hollies doing their best psychedelia, and jangly guitars of Austin’s Strange Boys is reminiscent of early to mid-60’s American Rock-n-Roll bands like the Standells and the Squires.

Blogophilia 12 will mark one year of Blogophilia Mixes.  Expect it around the middle of October. Now that the university is back  in session, I have less time to compile and mix these tracks.  Thank goodness for workouts or I would have no time to listen.

The link (click the cover art) is to an all-in-one zip file with cover art for slim CDs, do it yourself covers (print to one sheet of paper), and Ipod ready in gapless format.

Enjoy!

Heerlijke band. Rustige indie muziek. Ik vind het persoonlijk wel wat vergelijkbaar met Bishop Allen. Vooral het nummer Can’t Stand The Rain vind ik een heerlijk nummer.

Check hun myspace

Three new bands for all of you out there to check out today.  The radio sometimes makes me want to give up on music but here are three bands that are keeping it fresh and yet remind you of all those good old bands that we used to remember when it was talent and originality that dominated the airwaves instead of vocoder hooks.

Temper Trap-

Temper Trap reminds me of a lot of things, they’ve got the energy that British imports like the Arctic Monkeys and the Kooks featured before them, as well as a taste for beautiful slow ballads and feature a vocalist more similar to Thom Yorke of Radiohead than the brash aforementioned brethren, low praise this is not.

Soldier On

a slower style ballad of theirs, beautiful singing

Sweet Disposition

flashes of Radiohead, The Cure, and a little of U2

Hearts

heres that energy i was talking about

Sirens

more of that Thom Yorke touch, with a melody thats hard to beat

Rosewood Thieves-

I don’t remember how exactly I heard of this band, but I’m sure glad I did.  Similarities abound between this group and famous rock heroes such as John Lennon and Bob Dylan.  In fact many times I’ve been asked  by Bob Dylan fans if this band is indeed Bob Dylan.  Great Melodies, great songwriting and great influences.

Murder Ballad in G Minor

basic arrangement of acoustic guitars and acoustic percussion, the story is among the best dylan could have dreamed up.

Bullet Painted Red

A song that feels like an age old drinking tune, about adultery and featuring the chorus.  Down at the tavern, where the drinks they taste just like fire, I told you I loved you and you kissed my lips like a liar. Sometimes the best melodies are the most simple ones, and this one sticks with you.

Junkyard Julie

This song is pure Bob Dylan delivered with the intensity and sarcasm worthy of John Lennon.

When My Plane Lands

Great piano and guitar interplay, another Bob Dylan meets Lennon song.  Intensity in the delivery and a nice hook.

The Union Line-

As much as simple arrangements work best for some, The Union Line doesn’t pride itself on following basics. With a singer similar to the likes of Modest Mouse, they manage to be just as different yet better with hooks.  Great taste in arrangements is their signature and its a treat to listen to their songs develop, this is really a band to watch.  They sound experienced beyond what their one album discography would suggest.

Gold Mine

Pearls

Rich Man’s Tune

Strangers

Wishing Well

Bishop Allen-

I first heard this band in the movie Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist which featured a strong soundtrack and a good story but I feel Adventureland tops it in pure awkward feel and accuracy.  Nevertheless I heard this band say we’re Bishop Allen before launching into a live version of Middle Management, and when the movie ended I felt like I had to check this band out, the results don’t disappoint, they feature textured arrangements that are unusual in an indie band.

Middle Management

Rain

The Same Fire

Corazon

Things Are What You Make of Them

Army Navy-

Another band out of the Nick and Norah soundtrack.  This band has an eye for sweet melodies and a dynamic live sound and subtle harmonies that slip into their tracks from time to time, another band to keep an eye out for.

My Thin Sides

Saints

Snakes of Hawaii

The following is a tribute to the musicians that have recently been dancing in my earnubs.

Yes, some of these musicians should not be compared. Ex. Jimi Hendrix compares to no one, and neither do the Beatles, but how could I leave them out? No, I do not want your criticism if “Regina Spektor sucks!” because she doesn’t. She rocks. Tu she. Yes, I think that if you like one or more of the musicians I listed, you should check out some others, and you will probably be happy! (I am your own personal Pandora Radio) and finally,

NO, none of these pictures are rightfully mine. I have taken them from Google images. After recently having my work plagiarized, the last thing I want to do is accept credit for work that is not mine, so again, THESE PICTURES ARE NOT MINE. whew.

and now, I present to you:

The Beatles:

Nothing needs to be said.

Jimi Hendrix: Again, No words are needed.

And now for more personal choices:

Ben Kweller: He’s just a penny on the train tracks.  Some people consider his music folk, and his newer album certainly is. But his older stuff was, I’m not really sure, just mellow. Excellent, really. His most popular song is probably “Penny on the Train Tracks” or “Sundress”.

Ben Folds: Jazzy Piano, crazy lyrics, bizarre songs. I went to a concert this past winter and he introduced the audience to his method of making his grand piano sound electric. Simply take metal objects (He used an Altoids container) and place them on top of the strings. Duh? He’s known for a variety of music. Some songs are just him on the piano, and some songs have 4 other members playing various instruments. His well known songs are “Brick”, “Not the Same”, “Army”, “Landed”, and “Gone” (among others…)

Bishop Allen: I honestly can’t say I know much about this band besides the fact that, well, they’re awesome. I think I read that it’s two guys who travel and record with guests they meet? That could be completely false, I don’t know. It’s something along those lines, but I think that it’s mostly two guys. Either way, the music is very mellow, fun, and clever. It’s difficult to dislike. You may have heard their songs “Click, Click, Click, Click” or “Like Castanets”.

Coldplay: I probably don’t need to say much about them. They are incredible. I went to their concert in June. Talk about a band who loves their fans…

Death Cab for Cutie: You probably know them. An indie rock band. Mellow, again. (I am the queen of mellow music.) Most recently known for “I Will Possess Your Heart”, but they’ve been around for awhile. An old favorite is “Tiny Vessels”. Really great band with a nice amount of variety.

Dispatch: Little needs to be said here. Wish they were still touring.

Guster: An alternative rock band, known for being excellent live. Again, mellow. From here on out, assume all of the bands are mellow unless I say otherwise. This band has changed over time. At first, they sounded more like Dispatch, and now they sound maybe a bit more like Death Cab? They’ve been good since the start, but they’ve certainly changed over time. Some popular songs: “Mona Lisa” “Satellite” & “I Hope Tomorrow is Like Today”

Incubus: Another band that doesn’t need much said. Except, this band IS NOT MELLOW. Some stuff is, but much of it is very much of the Rock variety. Some of their music is electroniccy but far from techno. They’re famous for their songs “Drive” “Wish You Were Here” “Anna Molly” “Dig” and countless others. Their lyrics are incredible.

Jack Johnson: Again, little needs to be said. He’s an incredible and very well known musician. Little known fact: He was a champion surfer before he started his music career! But that’s besides the point. he has countless famous songs. Much of his music is acoustic and consists of just his voice and his guitar. I <3 JackJohnson

Jason Mraz: I knew and loved Jason Mraz before his hit single “I’m Yours”. In fact, I knew that song an entire year before it was recorded and produced. There was a live version on youtube that I replayed over and over again. But anyway, he’s a great musician. Very talented vocally and musically in general. His lyrics are very clever. I classify his music as “summer music” but, he’s good all 12 months of the year.

John Mayer: Oh John Mayer, I wish it did not all go to your head! I must admit, my respect for John Mayer has gone down significantly. His music has always been good but he’s gotten very cocky. I went to a John Mayer concert, and something wasn’t quite right. It was great but he seemed to have a mentality that he was only doing it to get paid. His older stuff is really great though. Albums: Heavier Things, Room for Squares and Continuum are all really great. Now if Ionly had a pin to deflate his ego a bit…

Joshua Radin: A relatively little known musician. He only really started touring in 2004, I think. I guess he could be considered a combination of folk and acoustic with rock as dessert. He reminds me a lot of Jack Johnson, but a bit more  serious I guess. I’m not even sure what I mean by that. But I digress, Joshua Radin rocks.

Matt Nathanson: His single “Car Crash” was the free single of the week on iTunes several years ago. After listening to the 30 second clip, I decided it was definitely worth all zero cents. I later purchased the rest of the album (Some Mad Hope) and was more than satisfied. He’s considered a combination of folk and rock. Mellow, yet again. He’s relatively new still, so I’m not sure how many albums he has out, but one of his most famous songs is “Come On Get Higher”. If you like O.A.R., Jack Johnson,Jason MrazJohnMayer-any of them, check him out.

Matt Costa: Think: Jack Johnson. I believe he’s produced by Brushfire Records which is Jack Johnson’s record company. I know they have done a few songs together too. But either way, they sound very similar and their songs are generally in the same genre. Both are excellent musicians, so don’t think that just since you like one, there’s no point in looking into the other.

O.A.R. (Of A Revolution): A rock band that I often find myself putting in “summer playlist”. Again, they are great summer music but I love them all year around. They’ve produced several albums and tour every summer. I’ve seen them in concert three times, and never once have been disappointed. They put on a great live show. Personally my favorite song is “Heard The World” but they are known for “Love and Memories” and “Hey Girl”. One nice thing about O.A.R. is that they feature a saxophone which makes them different than many other bands and adds a really nice touch.

Radiohead: An alternative rock band from England. They were famous there first and then eventually spread to the US. Their music is rock but it’s undoubtedly got some electronic and jazzy influences throughout. This band had got good lyrics, but their music is what does it for me. It’s really just incredible. Certain songs will catch you by surprise with how full they are. They’re known for a LOT of their songs but I’d say that some of the most famous are “Fake Plastic Trees” “High and Dry” and “Creep”.

The Red Hot Chilli Peppers: They became a bit overrated for awhile there with their debut of “Dani California” and “Californication”. It seemed like one too many fifth graders were walking around with their rolly backpacks singing these songs they so did not understand. But this was hardly the fault of the band. They’ve redeemed themselves by staying out of the spotlight. But their older stuff is amazing. Some of it is crazy and ridiculous and makes me wonder. “True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes” is weird, and don’t even get me started on the song “Mommy Where’s Daddy”. But their old stuff is classic and will always be some of my faves.

Regina Spektor: Actually named Reginka, but then changed unofficially after moving to the U.S. from Russia. There’s really not one genre that Regina sticks to. If I had to choose a few I’d say folk, rock, jazz, classical. But that hardly helps. Her lyrics are sometimes crazy, and she usually writes about her imagination, rather than situations in her own life. She’s got a really incredible voice with an incredible range. Not everyone would like her, but I love her. I’d say her most famous songs are “Fidelity”, “Apres Moi” and “Hotel Song”.

Sigur Ros: An Icelandic rock band. Their music reminds me of Radiohead and Coldplay. Almost all of their music is in Icelandic or whatever the language is that they speak there. But the music is incredible. I looked up some of the lyrics and they are also really good, but just, difficult to understand unless you speak the language. The music is very calm, and puts me to sleep instantly. My personal favorite song is “Saeglopur”.

State Radio: An alternative rock band. Chad Urmson, a former member of Dispatch, is the lead singer. This band is similar to Dispatch, yet not the same. Their lyrics focus a lot of war, human rights, and humanitarian issues. I’ve seen them live, and they were amazing. Some well known songs: “Right Me Up” “Mr. Larkin” “Camilo”.

Sublime: Sublime is just, sublime. (No pun intended). I love them.

Zox: I was taken to a ZOX concert knowing nothing of the band. I was pleasantly surprised when they turned out to be a very talented group. They are reggae-ish rock… with electric violin. A bit eccentric, except, not really. Really great band. A nice variety of upbeat songs and calm ones. I’m a big fan of “Goodnight” “The Wait Part 2″ and many others.

And, here concludes my long winded analysis of amazing musicians. I hope I have inspired you to check out some new music. If so, I’d love it if you let me know! If not, then you should probably hit up Pandora Radio. :]

and that my friends, is all she wrote.

Victoriously,

Rachel

Wow. June came and went. To be honest, did not really listen to much. But, what I did listen to kept me alive, strong, and hoping for the future. I present to you the very best, or parts of, songs/artists that I spent quality time with.

Click pic for download.

TRACKLISTING

Throw Me the Statue's Creaturesque delivers some great guitar-pop

PREVIEW: Download Throw Me the Statue’s “Waving at the Shore” MP3
WE GIVE IT: 16/20 Watts

With a name like Creaturesque, you’d assume Throw Me the Statue’s second full-length album is either an exercise in noise pop, or a playful description of relaxed indie. In this case, the album goes with the latter. Building on a productive debut from two years back, the group, led by Scott Reitherman, displays a refined knowledge of where they stand. They are keenly aware of what they’re capable of, never looking to push past these limitations, which would sully the listening experience. Creaturesque is an indie pop record comfortable in its own skin.

Throughout, the album is easy to listen to. It’s a relaxing form of pop, utilizing diverse instrumentation to create jovial songs. This is obviously the mission from the first notes of lead track “Waving at the Shore,” which incorporates a fair share of brass, keyboard and falsetto to mold a great first look at what the album has in store. The first few tracks feel conservatively adventurous, and maybe listening, you do too.

Another aspect of the album that seems to stand out is the broad array of influences that bleed through at various points. No two songs sound alike, playing on various bright and engaging formulas for making quality pop. One second, you’ll swear you’re listening to Belle and Sebastian, and soon after, Bishop Allen. Even The Radio Dept. seem to get some play on electronic-based “Snowshoes.” One of the more unsung contributions actually ends up coming from Pedro the Lion. Though Pedro the Lion is usually associated with ballads a bit more somber and downtrodden, former member Casey Foubert (now in Throw Me the Statue) obviously brings in his favorite pieces of that act to brighten up this one.

What’s most surprising about Creaturesque is how much better it gets with each listen. The first time, you catch the glaring positives, but can miss out on the nuances that build it into the success it is. Each track is more detailed than it originally lets on, and is all the more rewarding an experience once you realize it. From a guitar-pop standpoint, we may be looking at one of the more intrepid releases of the year, with five months left to go.

– John Cassillo

Fun

Escucha aquí Click Click Click, de Bishop Allen

J.M. Campos / Iram Martínez / revistawego@gmail.com

Nocturama acogió el miércoles a Bishop Allen, una banda atípica liderada por dos neoyorquinos licenciados en Harvard. Su fórmula de folk-pop, sin muchas pretensiones y sin embargo dulce para los oídos, propició las sonrisas entre el público y una agradable sensación de bienestar. Que no es poco. Contigo sí, Bishop.

El jueves nos visitaron The Wedding Present, banda liderada por David Gedge y que con más de dos décadas de música a sus espaldas se dispusieron a dar una lección de pop-rock británico

Sigue leyendo las crónicas

Bishop Allen

Después de comenzar con ‘Another Wasted Night’, se prodigaron en su tercer y último disco, ‘Grrr…’, lanzado el pasado abril después de compilar en ‘The broken Spring’ los doce EP´s que editaron en 2006. Uno por cada mes del año. Así, ‘The Ancient Commonsense of Things’ o ‘Dimmer’ fueron transportando al personal hacia aguas en calma.

Aunque el foco principal se focalizaba sobre el cantante, Justin Rice, con su flequillo y sus enormes gafas de pasta, gran parte de las miradas se dirigían hacia la xilofonista, y no sólo por su belleza. Darbie Nowatka aporta a Bishop Allen un preciso toque de distinción.

Sus composiciones son directas, muy cortas. Pocas se extienden más allá de los tres minutos. De las que más gustaron, ‘Click click click’ y ‘Rain’. “This place is so amazing…”, comentaba Justin, mientras Christian Rudder se mostraba eufórico a la guitarra.

Los coros del resto del grupo complementaron su pop amable y animoso. Mantuvieron un ritmo uniforme durante toda su actuación, en pocos momentos parecieron salirse del guión, algo que algunos pudo no gustar del todo. La sensación general, no obstante, fue de notable.

Bishop Allen reúnen un repertorio de canciones perfectas para un día soleado… o una noche estrellada. No sólo de malotes vive el escenario: los empollones también saben hacer buena música.

The Wedding Present

Después del buen concierto del miércoles, llegaba el día que más gente esperaba. The Wedding Present, una banda con 24 años de experiencia a sus espaldas y por la que han pasado, doce músicos, sin contar a la formación actual.

El jefe de todo esto es David Gedge, quién se hizo acompañar por Terry de Castro al bajo, Charly Layton en las baterías y Graeme Ramsay en la otra guitarra. A la hora habitual The Wedding Present subía al escenario e iba a lo suyo: dar un concierto.

Arrancaron con Santa Ana Winds, estreno de su último trabajo, y rápidamente la emparejaron con Sucker, de 1994 y Don´t Talk Just Kiss de 1990. Y es que es normal que con tantos años sobre el lomo de Gedge, la banda tenga material de donde tirar.

Tres canciones seguidas y un saludo, un par de frases, tres canciones más. Básicamente esta fue la estructura del concierto, muy concentrada en la música, dejando de lado los comentarios y las bromas. Pensé que tras varios años viviendo en EEUU, este Englishman in L.A. se manejaría con más soltura en al lengua de Cervantes.

No habló pero si lo dejó todo sobre el escenario, las letras de Gedge, siempre cargadas de historias de amor, tienen en su autor a su mejor actor. Histriónico, sin llegar a exagera, recordemos que es british, es fácil imaginar que David recuerda los momentos en los que escribió letras como la de Brassneck (temazo donde los haya) o The Queen of Outher Space, en la el líder de la banda descarga toda su furia rockera contra su guitarra, rompiendo incluso la quinta cuerda.

Fue un recital de casi 20 temas que nos trajo dando vueltas por toda su discografía, aunque destacando las canciones de su último álbum El Rey. Si hay que ponerles una pega, yo diría que sobre inicio de la parte final del concierto no hubo una buena conexión con el público, que no respondieron ante Soup o Corduroy. Fallo que supieron resolver muy bien con el final apoteósico con el combo de Brassneck y Bewitched. Sin bises, pese a que el público lo pedía insistentemente, The Wedding Present se despidió, agradeciendo el espacio y el calor, pero no el que había dejado Lorenzo, sino el que el respetable les brindó con sus aplausos.