Belle Reviews

Video Blog 2

2010-02-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

Kashiwa Daisuke

2010-02-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

Artist: Kashiwa Daisuke

Genre: Glitch/Classical

The sound, as I listen, unedited:

A cello strutting cavalier down a sultry street. Violins skip in ecstasy to the soul hum. GLITCH. Life should be an LSD sweet honeysuckle thrill fruit plum in your mouth juices trailing down your chin GLITCH piano soul piano soul piano GLITCH modern man squints suffering silent from the sun GLITCH.

a break of waves.

violin in the distance old arthritic fingers place each callous on the strings, glitch
dark shadows light bodies grim phonographs simultaneously orgasmiglitch
drum beat drum
drum beat drum
african nods feet feel the hum
beat beat beat beat beat beat beat beat

computer sounds keyboards on neptune piano notes in earth language
a familiar wink of acknowledgement
you are my brother

new sound! fingers trailing lightly over the spine of keys
the piano responds, arching back against the touch
alien sounds agree: this is beauty

glitch.

Niyaz: A Show Review

2010-02-26T04:49:00.000-08:00

Band website: http://www.niyazmusic.com/

Niyaz means "Yearning" in both Farsi and Urdu.

Yesterday, my university had the honor of having Niyaz perform on our campus. While they have a small following, they are definitely not given the attention they ought to have based on their vast talent and depth. Niyaz is a band with members from different cultural and religious backgrounds-though four of the five members are from Middle Eastern and Indian ancestry. There was also one white guy, who rocked a guitar every so often but who was more instrumental in djing/working the reverb and sound effects. There's not really a proper way I can describe the feeling that swept through me as I gazed at majestic Azam. Her hips swayed to the music as her vocals trilled and abated, as she sung what she later referred to as "Middle eastern folk songs with a modern twist."

Originally born in Iran, she moved to India at a young age and was at first ashamed of her cultural roots what with the extremely negative connotations people had of Iraq during that time (though things have only gotten worse). But as she grew, she embraced her heritage and culture instead of fleeing from it-and in doing so, the music freed her and was a therapeutic balm for her soul. This is what I gleaned from the very intimate Q & A that the members of the band were kind enough to partake in. Each member seemed so genuine and beautiful, and I appreciate how Azam emphasized each member's inner beauty when introducing them. There was no need for her to praise their musical abilities because we had already heard and been entranced.

While Azam's voice and intensity alone is enough to bedazzle, the other band members all showcased their individual abilities artfully and without a flicker of self-aggrandizement. On the contrary, their demeanor was respectful and humble, and when another member was soloing they all conveyed an attitude of reverence and tactful appreciation, never distracting. To explain the sound in a nutshell would be doing a disservice to the band, but they transcend the genre of world music, offering a non-generic soulful sound that is relaxing yet captivating. I was reminded of the sound of certain trip-hop artists, like Moloko, but live Azam's voice is really something else. I have to stress the importance of seeing this band perform live, if you ever have the chance. It is almost like a very stripped down Andy Warhol experience; as smoke encircled Azam sweeping past the tendrils of her long fairytale hair, she exuded an inexpressibly beautiful gypsy-like charm.

She was coy but conservative, stunning but shy. The instruments themselves were all very fascinating; I wish I could remember the names but they were in other languages. There was one instrument that Azam's husband designed himself; a variation on a theme of another instrument that resembled a guitar...slash cello.

Niyaz's website features three band members but I believe there are actually five members; one drummer, her husband Loya (who played two instruments), Azam, another played urdu and the guitarist.

Visit their website and get a taste of what I had the privilege to experience. And please support their music by purchasing a CD if you're captivated by what you hear.
***********
Other blog news:
*I have been extremely busy with school as of late but today is a snow day! And I also want to devote more time to this blog as I do enjoy writing here
*I have decided that my life dream is to be an ethnomusicologist. More on that later.
*Expect more show reviews in the near future: I will be seeing Tally Hall, Joanna Newsom, The Flaming Lips, and Casiotone for the Painfully Alone all within the next few months!
*Thank you to all who follow this. I truly appreciate it.

Vlog 1

2010-01-27T10:02:00.001-08:00

Peachcake

2010-01-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Band Members:

Stefan Pruett:	lead vocals, percussion, beats, programming
Mike McHale:	guitar, percussion, keyboards, vocals
Johnny McHone:	keyboards, synths, vocals
Michael Kraft:	crowd energizer, vocals, visuals
Dave Jackman:	beats, programming, production

Indie Label: The Planet Awesome! Subtractive

Genre: electronica, indie pop

Band website: http://www.planetawesome.org/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/peachcake

Unless you're a real Debbie Downer it's hard not to love the jangly pop melodies of Peachcake. This is a band that clearly has twee pop influence; were it a two decades back they definitely would have been a great candidate for Sarah Records. But instead of the fuzzy/poor audio quality often associated with twee pop, Peachcake is crisp and clear. I'm not even sure if they identify themselves as a twee band, because they have incorporated a lot of electronica into their work. I've noticed that some people have tagged them as “power pop”- but once a twee kid forever a twee kid and I can't help but notice their happy sound is a lot like Tullycraft or Architecture in Helsinki.

Peachcake also has really fun track titles to match their gleeful tunes. With songs like “Did I Just do that, or was it Jim Carey?” and “Are Your People Ready to Shrink Continents?!” the whole track list on their debut album What Year Will You Have the World is full of quirky song titles designed to intrigue. I'm so glad I came across Peachcake because they are great dance & cheermeup music. Cue scene of me jumping up and down in my jammies, shaking my mess of curls and boogying harder than the flyest disco queens of the 70s. Really they should hire me for a music video. I've got moves. Almost as good as Carlton and Urkel. Um...back to Peachcake.

The band's Myspace features weekly comics drawn by keyboardist Johnny Mchone. The man has skillz. These guys are multi-talented, and multi-awesome (awesome on many levels).

Speaking of awesome, these guys are on a mission to save the world. Check out their main web site for details. Furthermore, they put on a crazy show. Think Flaming Lips meets ManMan. They describe their sound as "visual", which makes more sense when you see a clip of them performing: (Former video has been replaced with some recent great footage)

And this:

this:

a pinch of this:

and you'll get the picture after this:

Peachcake's sound is ultra catchy...the vocals are great, the lyrics indie pop perfection. My favorite track is "How to Get to the Moon and Back on Half a Tank of Gas (as told by the Great Racecar Driver)." (Now that I think of it, they really remind me of Fishboy with the super long track name thing). They sing throughout, "I thought I knew what love was, I thought I knew, I thought I knew what love was- but then I found you," which is so utterly romantic. None of their tracks are abrasive or messy; their debut CD is a real indie pop gem. So if you want to know what undiluted FUN sounds like, check out their Myspace for some tunes and if you like what you hear, support them! Their CD is available on Itunes, Amazon, & BigCartel.

The Gothic Archies

2010-01-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

"I've endured struggling and thuggery, sir
Physical Ed and psychosis
Sculleries, skulls, and skullduggeries, sir
Haplessness, hype and hypnosis" ~"When you Play the Violin"/This Tragic Treasury:Songs from A Series of Unfortunate Events

The Gothic Archies Website: http://www.houseoftomorrow.com/gothicarchies.php

The first time I listened to The Gothic Archies, I thought, damn this singer sounds a helluva lot like Stephin Merritt. Then I found out he was Stephin Merritt (of The Magnetic Fields, The 6ths, and Future Bible Heroes) . I've been a big fan of Merritt's work for years now...the dark melancholia behind it, his brilliant lyrics...The Gothic Archies does not disappoint.

How is this project different from The Magnetic Fields? Well, according to The Gothic Archies website, "What makes this band different from The Magnetic Fields is that any glimmer of hope is absolutely extinguished." Indeed, The Magnetic Fields have produced many songs such as "The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side" that have optimism despite Merritt's very low, dark voice. "Crows," off of This Tragic Treasury is oddly romantic amongst the other songs but the pace of the song remains slow and sad, as if Merritt lacks faith in the words he is singing. Nick Cave would probably jerk off to this album.

I have to say songs like "Freakshow" are very easy to relate to as I think back to middle school torments and the inherent inescapable awkwardness that marks the teenage years.

Basically, Merritt is a genius, and I love the exaggerated nihilism that lingers behind every Gothic Archies song. He composed The Tragic Treasury specifically as soundtrack to A Series of Unfortunate Events. Merritt (in the below video interview/performance) claims that he was on board to do it because on 69 Love Songs the author (Daniel Handler) "Mr. Snicket" played the accordion. Merritt keeps in character-playing a caricature of himself: the gloomy, fatalistic artist.

Nora Keyes

2010-01-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

Nora Keyes has a very ordinary, girl-next-door type of name. But her sound and quirky personality are far from ordinary. Thus far, Ms. Keyes has released one very creepy album entitled "Songs to Cry for in the Age of Nothing." The first song I heard was "Small Apart" (which is available to listen to on LastFM and her Myspace). "Small Apart" starts off and is punctuated throughout by Nora's cackling. It's a very witchy, catchy sound, but Nora's flamboyant attire and kitschy vocal techniques are not sly methods intended to distract you from her voice. In fact, Nora has a lovely singing voice, which even is evidenced in "Small Apart" (in between cackles). I was immediately reminded of Siouxsie Sioux when I saw a video of her. However, Siouxsie Sioux has a slower pace to her songs, and I believe they would be considered more exemplary of the Gothic genre.

Nora's sound is unsettling; an ideal backdrop for a haunted house, or a somber symphony for the undead. At times warbling, Nora's voice is beautiful and unique. I really can't think of anyone who sounds similar (in terms of vocals). Others who contributed to the album include:
Rebecca Lynn (violin)
Ray Day (guitar)
Creekbird (bass/drums)
Dame Darcy (auto harp/saw)

Lyrical content varies manically in Ms. Keye's Album. From insulting ("Look at You, You're Ugly) to soft and reminiscent ("Old Pal"-actually a Jimmy Rogers cover) Nora has sprawling songs and lyrics that are interesting and eclectic.
Nora was previously in a band, The Centimeters. She is currently working on an album in collaboration with Don Bolles.

Below is a live performance that I just love. Nora has a deadpan expression throughout the piece, and her cackles are fantastic. Enjoy :)

Hop Along, Queen Ansleis

2010-01-20T17:15:00.000-08:00

Bruno, did you know that the greeks in morning would eat oranges?
They were firm believers in fruit-curing fevers
See, they believe (and I agree) that an orange warms the stomach. ~"Bruno is Orange", Freshman Year

Band Members: Frances Quinlan (acoustic guitar and vocals), Dominic Angelella (electric & slide guitar), Mark Quinlan (drums)
Record Label (Indie): Blue Moose Records/Salina's Records
Website: http://www.purevolume.com/hopalongqueenansleis/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hopalongqueenansleis

Hop Along, Queen Ansleis started out as the sole brainchild of Frances Quinlan but eventually expanded to include Marc and Dominic. France's voice is unique and childlike-very reminiscent of Joanna Newsom with a soft likeness to Laura Veirs (in pronunciation). I absolutely love her voice, and her heartfelt lyrics. "Freshman Year" is Hop Along's latest and best album but there is rumored to be another album in the works. There is a distinctive quaint folk vibe to the band's sound, and Frances' voice works well as the band's sound is pretty stripped down and her voice is so idiosyncratic and deserving of focus. Hop Along is interesting because their songs don't strain to adhere to rhyme schemes-instead, Frances manipulates her voice to bring life to lyrics that have a delicate but unusual poetry.

The band hails from Philadelphia and is currently on tour.
Below is a list of upcoming shows (taken from the bands myspace XD)

Mar 11 2010

8:00P

Meat Town USA

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Mar 12 2010

8:00P

The Hexagon w/ Dangerous Ponies, Lithuania, and Secret Mountains

Baltimore, Maryland

Mar 13 2010

8:00P

The Dull House w/ Dangerous Ponies, Lithuania, P.S. Eliot, and one more T.B.A

Richmond, Virginia

Mar 14 2010

8:00P

Cookie LaRue w/ Dangerous Ponies and Lithuania

Asheville, North Carolina

Mar 15 2010

8:00P

WonderRoot w/ Dangerous Ponies, Lithuania, and the Long Shadows

Atlanta, Georgia

Mar 16 2010

8:00P

The Farside w/ Dangerous Ponies and Lithuania

Tallahassee, Florida

Mar 17 2010

8:00P

Miss Fort Knocks House w/ Dangerous Ponies and Lithuania

New Orleans, Louisiana

Mar 18 2010

8:00P

TBA **SXSW**

Austin, Texas

Mar 19 2010

8:00P

TBA **SXSW**

Austin, Texas

Mar 20 2010

8:00P

TBA **SXSW**

Austin, Texas

Mar 21 2010

8:00P

TBA tour w/ Lithuania!

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Mar 22 2010

8:00P

Magic City Wholesale w/ Lithuania

Birmingham, Alabama

Mar 23 2010

8:00P

TBA tour w/ Lithuania!

Nashville, Tennessee

Mar 24 2010

8:00P

Club Cool w/ Lithuania and more TBA

Bloomington, Indiana

Mar 25 2010

8:00P

TBA tour w/ Lithuania!

Cleveland, Ohio

Mar 26 2010

8:00P

TBA tour w/ Lithuania!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Mar 27 2010

8:00P

The Terrordome w/ Lithuania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mar 28 2010

8:00P

TBA tour w/ Lithuania!

Brooklyn, New York

Unfortunately the band doesn't seem to have any music videos out yet. They're still pretty obscure (with a little over 2000 listeners on LastFM which I usually use as a barometer). But with this band's talent and lyrical prose, I don't doubt that Hop Along will be getting more and more fans as they continue to tour and people are exposed to their sound. If I can, I will be going to the March 28th show but as it is I'm already seeing Tally Hall in early March and tomorrow I buy my ticket to see Joanna Newsom once it goes on sale. Both shows are on Thursday and I have class til 630 but with great music comes great sacrifice (lol Idk how much of a sacrifice missing psych lab is though). Anyway, I notice that Hop Along is playing Brooklyn on a Sunday which I appreciate...if I can scrounge the money to go see them I will make the effort to go out and show my support. But keep a lookout for show reviews in March, and give a listen to Hop Along...especially if you're a fan of Joanna Newsom/Neutral Milk Hotel...I think if you like those artists you would appreciate this band.

Nero's Day at Disneyland

2010-01-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/nerosdayatdisneland
Band Members: Brock Bousfield, Shon Koperweis

While perusing the /mu/chan forums, I came across a band with a name that caught my eye. I have a natural tendency to be averse to "glitch" bands, but upon hearing this band my attention was immediately ensnared. "From Rotting Fantasylands" starts off like a typical glitch album but quickly it is evident with the use of strange, reversed tribal vocals, haunting choir music, and the chaos of sound that Nero's Day at Disneyland are more than a simple run of the mill electronica band (and perhaps I need to listen to more glitch and re-evaluate my opinions!). Furthermore, each song is distinctly unique from one another. (A problem I have noted within certain glitch bands is that the beeps and bloops, if the artist is not talented, offer an impression of redundancy). But the eclectic techniques Brock and Shon employ really take the genre to another level. "No Money Down, Low Monthly Payments" really encapsulates the album's name; it sounds like a tinkling dream place succumbing to screeching "technical difficulties," phantoms, eerie spooks that slink around merry-go-rounds and bring true horror to the haunted houses. Overall the album as a whole was a pleasure to listen to. My favorite tracks were "Stretched Linen over Contorted Bodies" (which features incredibly quick beats and intense progressions) and "Eulogy for Nick Galvas," which sounds like what would happen if a robot had a bad acid trip.

Overall this whole album is nightmarish (in a great way). It would make a great soundtrack for a b horror movie about killer robots. Two thumbs up, this album gets the Bumblebee sting of approval

Saltillo

2010-01-18T02:30:00.000-08:00

“True I'm nervous, but why do you think I'm mad?” (“Blood and Milk,” Ganglion)

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/saltillo

Artist Website: http://www.kyan.com/saltillo/

Last.fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Saltillo (has many full tracks)
Saltillo is Menton James Matthews III. A multi-talented instrumentalist, Matthews (also a member of Sunday Munich) is capable of playing the cello, guitar, viola, violin, piano, drums, bass, and many electronics.

The first song I heard by Saltillo was "A Hair on the Head of John the Baptist." While a lengthy song (7:34), I was captivated the whole track. I played it while filling in at my school's radio station and received a succession of calls asking who the artist for the song was. While the song is doubtlessly a gem, Ganglion offers many other tracks that are note-worthy in the trip-hop genre. "Giving in" features breathy female vocals, exemplative of the genre, and there are several other tracks with female vocals as well.

Matthew's work is unique because it isn't predictable or boring. He incorporates many samples in his songs, which he artfully arranges into the rest of the song; the samples never seem jarring or out of place but smoothly plucked and placed to create whatever atmosphere Matthews has dreamed up...”A Simple Test” in particular has a creepy vibe, with references to the devil, evil, killing. It still fits neatly in the trip-hop genre, because of the techniques Matthews chooses to employ, but the superb instrumentals that wind around samples are like trippy tendrils of ivy...the music is always in motion, never repetitive without reason, and each crescendo is a thrill.

The music, created by one man's mind, seems to have a mind of it's own. Each instrument follows it's own path, and sometimes the paths collide to create fantastic melodies that all the while are cognizant of the samples they must weave around, to complement (and not overpower). The music, while thoughtfully mapped out, offers the illusion that it is on a complex journey of finding itself and it's sound.

I definitely recommend that you listen to Ganglion. While Saltillo already has somewhat of a following online, I don't think that enough people have been exposed to Matthew's music, and it is for this reason that I feature him on this blog. If I had to compare Saltillo to another artist I would say the music is akin to Velvet Acid Christ. On morphine.

The above painting and the (self) portrait were both works of art created by Matthews.

Chavela Vargas

2010-01-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

The time has come for another post on a classic but oft unappreciated artist-the magnificent Chavela Vargas!!

Official Website: http://www.chavelavargas.com.mx/

Born in Costa Rica but raised in Mexico, Ms. Vargas is known not only as a unique singer, but also as a Revolutionary. Vargas' sexuality is not a question as in her youth she would wear men's clothing, drink like a fish, smoke cigars regularly, carry a gun-and, because she openly admitted to being a lesbian at the age of 81. She was born on April 17, 1919, and specialized in the traditional Mexican genre rancheras. Popular in the '50s and '60s, Vargas traveled and performed frequently in Mexico, the United States, Spain, and France. With the aid of Jose Alfredo Jimenez, she released her first album in 1961 at the age of 42.

Chavela (a nickname for Isabella) was known to travel amongst the intellectual and artistic circles of the time, and she was acquainted with Juan Rulfo, Dolores Omedo, Diego Rivera, and Frido Kahlo-whom she was rumored to have had an affair with, in her youth.

Chavela Vargas' music is most identifiable by her gravelly, emotional voice. Sometimes as quiet as a rough whisper, at other times raised in triumphant shout, Vargas possesses the ability to capture attention with the underlying and ever-present passion that marks every song. Often her voice will verge on the crest of a heart-wrenching half-sob, and while I do not speak or understand Spanish, I understand the pain and emotion in Vargas' voice.

To date, Chavela has released over eighty albums. She partially retired in the '70s due to her battle with alcoholism, but returned and performed in 1991 in "El Habito" (in Mexico City). She performed again in 2003 in Carnegie Hall.

Listen to her music and be entranced. Allow yourself to leave your body and follow her voice down a dirt road in romantic yet tragic Mexico. Feel the warm air caress your face. Feel the pain of the world, and meet the paradox with humility. The voice of Chavela Vargas is ancient, wise, damning-hear it, feel it, repent.

This'll Kill Ya!

2010-01-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

(The above picture does not accurately represent current band members)

Band Members:
matt roren - vocals
john deep dish lisa - vocals, toy piano
ian denning - guitar, organ
sean corkery - bass
rob tavalero - accordion
sean ganzer - violin,mandolin, banjo, guitar
mike tambo tamborrino - drums

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thisllkillya

This'll Kill Ya! is a fun punk band with the eclectic style of Gogol Bordello and a slew of awesome/uncommon instruments including mandolin, accordion, and toy piano! Their sound is catchy and tight (which sets them apart from your typical Long Island punk band). Matt Roren's rough voice (akin to Shane MacGowan's) is a pleasant contrast to the swell of instruments that blends behind him in a well-orchestrated phantasmagorical lullaby. The band's sound is reminiscent of folk punk bands like Against Me!, or Defiance, Ohio. This'll Kill Ya! has a professional sound, but they are currently unsigned. Amongst the band's influences are The Pogues, Arcade Fire, Elvis Costello and...Ice Cube. I'm not sure about Ice Cube but listen to any of the songs available on the band's Myspace and you will surely notice a strong Celtic Influence. It is refreshing to hear a punk band that draws from a wealth of influences and who don't fall victim to sloppy guitar and cliched lyrics.

"When Love Goes Up in Flames" is perhaps the band's catchiest song. It's a great song because it showcases each of the band member's particular abilities, and the guitar riffs are catchy...overall it is a great song to dance to.

In terms of lyrical content, This'll Kill Ya! doesn't strive for poetic profundity-tunes like "Gingivitis Blues" will attest to that. But "Gingivitis Blues" is entertaining and humorous; and in the realm of contemporary punk rock awash with bands bitching about the government and blah blah blah, it's really nice to listen to a band like This'll Kill Ya, who in the face of everything, are a reminder that it's important to never take yourself too seriously. And besides, dental hygiene IS still an issue these days!

Who should listen to this band: Anyone who likes a fun band that has a lot of energy, passion, and a kick-ass sound!
Who shouldn't: Morrisey loving, bleeding heart sad folk :( ...or maybe they should, to lighten up ^_^

Tally Hall

2010-01-14T18:30:00.000-08:00

Members:

ROB CANTOR (Yellow)- Guitar and Vocals
ROSS FEDERMAN (Grey)-Drums
JOE HAWLEY (Red)- Guitar and Vocals
ANDREW HOROWITZ (Green)-Keyboard and Vocals
ZUBIN SEDGHI (Blue)- Bass

Yeah, those colors refer to the colors of their ties ^^

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tallyhall

Official Web site: www.tallyhall.com : Highly recommend visiting their web site as it has a TON of stuff on it

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TallyHall

Record Label: Atlantic

Buy their CD here, or through itunes (it's worth it!)

******

Several of my friends had recommended Tally Hall to me, so I decided to check them out. The first song I chose to listen to was a cover of Biz Markie's "Just a Friend." From then on, as fate would have it, I was hooked. I have always felt that there is no point in covering a song if you don't put your own personal spin on it and make it your own. The same rule applies to film-there are brilliant films that have no REASON to be remade, but people go ahead and re-make them anyway, and very rarely do the new films surpass the Hollywood classics. (If Breakfast at Tiffany's were to be re-made I would be devastated). But I digress. My point is that Tally Hall made "Just a Friend" into their own...it starts with the lyrics being spoken before the singer unabashedly and enthusiastically indulges in the rap with beat boxing accompaniment. The chorus, unlike Markie's version, is in tune (no hate Biz I love you on Yo Gabba Gabba! bro) and the band uses kitschy techniques like sound clips to supplement the song and vocals blend to add an indie rock vibe to it without forgetting the song's hip-hop's roots. And it is inarguable that Tally Hall has rhythm..."Welcome to Tally Hall" in particular will attest to this. There is a definite Beastie Boy's influence in Tally Hall's work but their music is stellar because they don't confine themselves just to hip-hop. Like a spastic neon singing groovin whirlwind of funk, when you listen to Tally Hall you are literally listening to FUN. They're a gem because they create great music without taking themselves too seriously. Their new album, Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum by alliterative title alone is indicative of the band's whimsy.

It's hard to pinpoint Tally Hall's sound exactly. Most of their songs tend to be characterized by energy, and the fact that they don't take themselves too seriously. ("Two Wuv" is a song about the sextasticness of Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen and how they have no chance with them). On their Myspace the three genres they list are rock, hip-hop, and classical. I don't know where they got "classical" from, but they probably chose it because "random" isn't a category. Also their songs, while silly in nature are clever and at times marked by a lovely intensity:

"You understand
Mechanical hands
Are the ruler of everything
Ruler of everything
I'm the ruler of everything
In the end

Without looking down
Gliding around
Like a bumbling dragon I fly
Scraping my face on the sky..." (From Ruler of Everything)

Songs like that remind me of The Weakerthans meet They Might be Giants, but there is no perfect way of pigeonholing Tally Hall and I wouldn't like them if there were.

Tally Hall is self-proclaimed wonky-rock. Which makes sense when you bridge the connection to Willy Wonka. That one took me awhile XD. I love the description, and I think it fits them perfectly. They are mad, mad men full of chocolate and delectable treats (should you play pinata with them). But do refrain from hitting them with sticks, unless of course you have their permission. And why would you want to when they are so full of awesome?

The band is based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan but they have a bunch of tour dates lined up for March-the band will be travelling all across the United States, from Massachussetts to Tennessee! I plan on catching their New York show and contacting them to see if I can't interview them on WUSB. Their new album is so full of energy, I can't imagine how awesome they would be like live! Actually I can and I'm super psyched. Thank you Jacob and April for giving me a heads up about them!

*****

This video below is much calmer than their typical sound but I just love it!

A really trippy vid by them:

The Bastards of Fate

2010-01-14T02:38:00.000-08:00

Doug Cheatwood-Singer
Camellia Delk-Synth
Benji Pugh-Guitar
Jason Wellz-Bass
Doug Shelor-Drums

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thebastardsoffate

So there's this band, the Bastards of Fate. They've got that weiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrd sound. I wouldn't say that it verges on Noise (though at times they are very loud). There is however, a definite Patton influence to their style, which I guess you could call experimental. My first impression upon listening was thinking they were a hybrid of Melt-Banana and Fantomas. The first song I listened to I hated. Then I listened some more. "Oedipus Rex" has a haunted carnival feel to it, and is my favorite of what I've heard. I appreciate the mad oscillations in the song as it swings from sugar pop bobble head synth to early Flaming Lips-style guitar jamming with some kuh-razy vocals to make them unique. Upon further listening, "Oh the Desolation" has a very similar sound so the band appears to be striving for insanity (especially with the addition of free jazz, what sounds like a baby banging on pots and pans, and the gospel harmonics of Cheatwood himself). Some points in their songs sound like a cracked out video game, and I like that. The band is based out of Roanoke, Virginia, and have an upcoming show on January 21st (in their home town) if you feel like taking a nice walk. Or jog. As a recommendation, I would say don't listen to them if you are close-minded, and your favorite artist is Sufjan Stevens. Otherwise, enjoy the insanity. On their Myspace they claim to be on a Major label, but methinks they lie, especially since on their Facebook they list their manager as Keeklery James Furchild. Their cat. Who apparently is an asshole.

Artists of note who they have opened for include Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Captured! by Robots, and The Chinese Stars. They also toured with Joe Talcum of the Dead Milkmen (who-Sidenote! I love to pieces!).

Adieu.

Kerissa Fuccillo

2010-01-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

This is a woman I know personally-my best friend's sister. Her charm and warm hearted nature transcend beyond the bounds of her undeniably beautiful lyric. Her voice rambles effortlessly from her soul. The edges of it burn a smoldering blue electric, a velvet twang hums beneath her vocals. A soothing, muted murmur is the mantra of each song's prayer. You listen to her and sounds blend into color- not in a psychedelic way, but when you listen you're taken away to a smoky bar, a romantic but simple place. Sip your beer and let the songs sink in. Blink your eyes open and you're back from the fantasy, but yearning for more. Multi-instrumental "Railroad Eyes" in particular has the ability to render this type of imagery for me. As a bluesy saxophone melts in the background Kerissa's sultry voice cruises sexy down the lane, a sugarcane strut with a Brandy kick.

Kerissa is currently unsigned, but there's no good reason for that. Based out of Ashland, Oregan, the singer-songwriter has a voice and talent that is wise beyond her years.
Her myspace is http://www.myspace.com/kerissafuccillo
but her official web site is http://www.kerissafuccillo.com There you can listen to her whole full self-titled album for free. But I encourage you to buy these songs instead-on her site she has a "name your price" button for downloading the album, or individual songs. The songs are all different. As Kerissa herself writes on her web site, "This album is my first self-produced body of work. It is a mix of various styles of songs that I have written over the last few years." She also gives credit to everyone who has helped contribute to the album-throughout the album there are songs that have violin, sax, fiddle, banjo, or a combination! Kerissa is responsible not only for guitar and vocals but also bass, drums, and keyboard! This is a talented woman who writes songs of substance. It would be nice to hear more songs like this on the radio, and less songs with empty lyrics and soulless vibes.

Support her if you love her-ignore me if you don't.
~bumble

Aaron Sprinkle

2010-01-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

Based out of Seattle, Washington, Adam Sprinkle's songs are apple cider warmth rushing down to your guttiwuts after the cold has reminded you that yes, you DO have a skeleton. But don't be fooled. While his tunes are sweet, they are marked with a poignancy that separates him from your run of the mill contemporay indie artists. Listening to him is refreshing, the first relieving drops of water running reckless over skin that has yearned for this moment hours after working under a brutal horseradish sun. His soft lilting voice is reminiscent of Elliot Smith, and his lyrics are not over embellished but straightforward and jilting in their candor. My personal favorite out of the songs that were featured on Sprinkle's Myspace is the track that has the least amount of plays, "No Reason to Pretend." Sings Sprinkle, "We come around/A circle meets/At last I feel I'm closer to beginning...A gentle word/a quiet heart/a soul that stirs another one to start."
Sprinkle is currently signed onto Tooth and Nail Records. Sound Familiar? It's the Seattle Based Indie label that spawned now-popular bands like Mae and Anberlin. Hopefully, Sprinkle will share the success that these artists have been lucky enough to receive without having to compromise his music or style. According to his Myspace, Sprinkle has been making music since the sixth grade (!) so in all likelihood he knows exactly what he's doing and with the great sound he has I wouldn't be surprised if his career launches forward. It's just a matter of time.

Please check out Aaron Sprinkle's music at Lastfm-where he has MANY free streamable tracks available:
http://www.last.fm/music/aaron+sprinkle
He has released several CDs, including but not limited to:
1. Bareface (2008)
2. Moontraveler (2008)
3. The Kindest Days (2008)
4. Lackluster (2004): this CD was released by EMI CMG, not Tooth and Nail.

His myspace is http://www.myspace.com/aaronsprinkle ...if you dig him, friend him, support him, and show him love <3
*****
Sprinkle also has a band called Fair which is definitely worth giving a listen to as well.

The Freaks, Nerds, and Romantics (a film)

2010-01-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the premiere screening of The Freaks, Nerds, and Romantics.

I had high hopes for the movie, as I know the director and writers, Pete Bune, and Jacob Stebel, and they are both very talented and capable individuals. The film is a coming of age story about a young writer (Lucy) just out of college, working an internship that has the potential to turn into a job should she write the perfect piece. She decides to write about her friends, who, instead of going to college and searching for conventional niches in society are doing just about the same things they were four years ago: playing shows, partying, getting drunk and high.

The soundtrack of the movie is very punk rock. There are performances by The Bouncing Souls (as well as some acting), Alkaline Trio, and several other awesome bands. After the premiere, the cast and crew did a Q&A, followed by a wine and cheese reception. All of the members seem super down to earth, chill, and funny.

Something that especially seemed to stand out for me with this film was the theme of tension, whether it be sexual, personal, or professional in nature. The film was centered on the Long Island movie scene, and having grown up on Long Island and very involved in the so-called scene from a young age on, I was able to relate to the story. The movie uses shots from now closed-down venues, places I used to revere as a young teen and go to two or three times a week. I remember going to The Downtown, moshing, getting a concussion, and then going to see the same band (MSI) not too long after. It was about having fun, letting go.

The music was cathartic, and if you were in the punk scene you were sure to see familiar faces at every show. Later, a lot of venues started shutting down because stupid skinheads would get into fights all the damn time. Race politics was a big issue, I remember a guy wearing a swastika and causing like a massive fight one time. Because Freaks Nerds and Romantics has been in production for a rather long time (over 7 years), it does conjure up nostalgia and memories for me. The people who starred in the film are now in their thirties, so the scene that they were a part of differed from the scene I was involved in. My scene was a scene that they saw as lacking heart, passion, and true community, and they were right.

The Freaks Nerds and Romantics is a brilliant film because it has the ability to reverberate with many people, not only people who were involved in a music scene. There were a good amount of older people in the audience, and my parents both articulated how they felt they could relate to the film because when it gets down to it, everyone has dreams and the moment usually comes when you have to pick between your ideals and a realistic path.

Although the narration was by the character Lucy, I felt that the star of the show was character Talia (played by Barri Kleim). Most of the scenes involved her, and she was a very likeable character because of her astute acting ability and how involved she was in the scene and the close-knit connections she had with the other characters. She really was like a mother figure (though very young and pretty) and was all about resolving conflicts and trying to make something of her life. The other actors did a fantastic job as well, but character Talia was intended to be the star of the show.

I encourage you all *whoever happens to chance upon this blog* to check this film out, if you have the opportunity. DVDs are not yet available but I would think they will come out within the next 6 months. I will update when they are available, though. Til then, be sure to check out the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPZPckYE94I

and become a fan of Freaks Nerds and Romantics on Facebook.

PS: If you are familiar with the Slack Pack, many of the members are in the movie!

Eartha Kitt

2010-01-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

Hey cats and kittens have you heard of Eartha Kitt?

This was a tiger who was purrrrr-fectly sexy, with a very unique voice. Nowadays, a lot of indie rock that gets embraced sounds to me like it was churned out by the same kegeling monster. There's a certain blahness and lack of originality to a lot of the bands revered by teens and young adults alike. It's just a general indie rock aesthetic, and when artists like Antony and the Johnsons or Joanna Newsom come out with different voices, ears perk up and people lean forward because-jeepers! This is some music that actually sounds different.

Eartha Kitt was born on a cotton plantation. No, she wasn't a slave (though she claims to have been conceived through rape). She was mixed, her father being of German-Dutch descent and her mother Cherokee and African-American. Kitt started off as an actress, debuting in 1948's "Cashbah." Her first starring role was given to her by Orson Welles-she played Helen of Troy in his production of Faustus. 1954 was the year "Santa Baby" and "C'est si Bon" were released. Fluent in French, it is easy to hear the European influence in Kitt's style. She released a number of albums throughout the years, starting in 1952 and continuing to 1990...a seemingly thorough discography of her singles and albums if available for your viewing pleasure here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eartha_Kitt_discography

I adore Eartha because she was so unique and beautiful. She defied conventional beauty accepted at that time on multiple platforms and was just downright SEXY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS02GeKuWQ4

You can listen to a few of her songs for free on lastfm here: http://www.last.fm/music/Eartha+Kitt

Kitt died in 2008 at the age of 81 but her contributions to film and music were groundbreaking as a woman of color. Her music will live on fo'sho because how could it not when it's so fantastic (don't burst my idealistic bubble, please). So spread the word and buy one of her albums-I recommend Eartha-Quake (Disc One).

*******
Some Bob Boblaw: This was a blog inspired by my friend Jake B, who on Facebook questioned me, "What's an old-timey seduction song?" As previously stated, my vision for this blog is to feature artists that I personally feel have been overlooked by my generation. As a 21 year old, I love talking with people about music but my fellow peers seem most interested in that which is modern. Some enjoy tunes from the 70s and 80s, or occasionally reminisce about Nirvana even though they were only a few years old when Kurt Cobain died. I think it has a lot to do with what music your parents listened to growing up. I'm really grateful for my father, who introduced me as a toddler to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Frankie Vallie and the 4 Seasons...these were my favorite bands as a child, because this was the music I was exposed to. Thus I can listen to a song by The Doors and feel nostalgic, even though I wasn't around Morrison was. Anyway, that's what got me thinking about Eartha. She was a vixen if there ever was one and I would love for more people to be exposed to her Awesome.

Neon Indian

2010-01-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

So it's pathetic but I heard about Neon Indian through Pitchfork. I was perusing their Top Albums of the Year list, which I found trite and predictable for the most part. However, before that, I hadn't so much as heard heard anything about Neon Indian. Apparently they're a really big deal in the indie "chillwave", "lo-fi", etc genre nowadays. My take on them? I love it! "Deadbeat Summer" is ridiculously catchy. You can listen to the whole album for free here: www.last.fm/music/neon+indian

What I especially like about Neon Indian is how easy it is on the ears. If I ever feel tired, if I just am in the mood to lay in a hypothetical hammock and be lulled by a warm blend of sound this is a delicious choice for my ever-ravished ears. Some songs have the happy upbeat skip of a Mario theme song but that is artfully countered by the singer's fuzzy vocals which could have me swaying and slow dancing by myself if only I had a warm meadow, obligatory white cotton dress and slightest warm breeze.

I definitely encourage you to check out their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/neonindian
They've labeled themselves as "acousmatic", "tape music," and "pop," a la Washed Out, Memory Tapes, and Girls. Do you dig it? You should!

And click the link below to get 2 free mp3s from Psychic Chasm!
http://rcrdlbl.com/artists/Neon_Indian/music

First Post

2010-01-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

Hey all! This is my first post but I am not new to blogging; I have had a plethora of blogs over the years and I generally tend to lose interest or feel wary of blogging about my personal life as it isn't too exciting. I'm currently in school, and spend most of my time practicing guitar, watching old Hollywood flicks, hanging out with my boyfriend, and listening to music. I am on air every other Wednesday on my friend's indie rock show, but my interests in music are vast and sprawling. However, I am trying to get back in the loop as it were and so this blog is going to be an attempt at writing reviews about new AND overlooked older music. The genres I am most knowledgeable on are twee and indie pop, 77 punk, '90s grunge and alternative. However I really have listened to everything from Japanese ska to spoken word/underground hip-hop. I will attempt to make my posts as thorough as possible, incorporating image and mp3 clips (if legal and possible). I would love to be sent demo tapes so if any artists come across this first entry and would like to be featured, please do not hesitate to contact me so I can give you an address to send a sample to (not my home address). This blog will mainly endeavor to cover music, but I am also a big film fanatic, and my boyfriend is far more attuned to the film realm as he is a screenwriter. His film is actually premiering tomorrow so I will be sure to include photos and a review (as I have not yet even seen it!). I hope you enjoy this blog, and if you would like for me to give my take on any particular album just send me a note and I will be sure to respond!
~Bumblebee