I want to pursue songwriting, even though I've only written a couple of songs, and produce my own indie album. I want to publish a novel, or a collection of poetry. I want to join the Peace Corps and gain new perspective. I want to be a teacher (I think!). I want to get to know anyone willing to wear their soul on their sleeve. I wear my soul on my sleeve. I want to get to know people who don't wear their soul on their sleeve.
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
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)
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.
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
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.
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.
(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
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 ^_^
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 ^^
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!
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!).
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