New Music: Handsome Furs

Total NSFW artwork (that's not Alexei, btw)

I was already a fan of Wolf Parade, so it’s not surprising that I am a huge fan of Dan Boeckner’s side project Handsome Furs that he started with his wife Alexei Perry.  The music obviously reminds me of Wolf Parade, since it is the same haunting vocals of Dan Boeckner, but it’s way sassier and synth-y.  To be honest, this is my first foray into Handsome Furs’ music even though this is their sophomore release.  It also just happens to be their first record written exclusively on keyboards.  Bold and wise decision, I say. 

I absolutely CANNOT get enough of Sound Kapitol.  I have been listening to it non-stop all week and every time I hear it, I like it even more.  I feel like I’ve been listening to a lot of synth-y 80’s pop influenced music lately and I’m not sure why.  Maybe because it’s summer and it makes me happy, or maybe it’s because I’ve got my finger on the pulse and this is all the cool new shit.  I hope it’s not because I’m becoming one of those people that only listens to music that is similar to what they grew up hearing (read: my mom + Motown).

I read that Dan and Alexei were trying to make a statement with this record to that electronic music doesn’t have to be cold and unfeeling.  If that was their mission, they have certainly succeeded.  This doesn’t surprise me, because I find that Wolf Parade music is very feeling and deep.  This is really apparent on songs like “Memories of the Future.”  The song builds into this mantra that is almost like a chant you do in yoga:

“I threw my hands to the sky

I let my memories go

I threw my hands to the sky

I let my memories go

I feel low

I feel alright

I feel low

I feel alright

I feel low

I feel alright”

It’s almost soothing, as though everything will be ok.  Then there are my other favorites like “Serve the People” and “What About Us?” where he begs of you to break his heart, as though that will make everything going on in the evil world okay.  Pretty deep shit, right?  “Repatriated” is about the future and where feelings have gone.  And, then there is my favorite song on the record, “No Feelings.”  Total Jeannie-Emo.  Almost immediately, this song made it to my favorite song playlist.  And, as the last song on the record, it leaves you wanting so much more.  This is why this record has been on a loop all week long.  I literally am craving it.

You can stream the record this week on KCRW, and download “Repatriated” below.  Sound Kapitol gets a lot of stars from me…so buy it now!

  Handsome Furs - Repatriated by subpop 

Way Back Wednesday: A Tribe Called Quest

It's weird to put A Tribe Called Quest in the Way Back Wednesday category because their music is just as relevant to me today as it ever was.  But, damn, "Can I Kick It?" was released in 1991.  I remember hearing it when I was in college and was just blown away.  It opened the door to a whole new hip-hop world for me, that had previously only been populated by Run DMC, LL Cool J and Beastie Boys.  (I grew up in Florida, what do you want?)

I'm really excited to see the new documentary Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest directed by Michael Rapaport, who went on tour with the band when they reunited in 2008.  The film features interviews with Kanye West, Common, Beastie Boys, Mos Def, De La Soul, Pharrell and The Roots.  Just watching the trailer makes me all excited and pumped.  It opens on July 8th...I'll see you there! 

New Single: Elle King

  Elle King-Good To Be A Man by Elle King Music

Move over Adele, Elle King is here singing the truth and she brought a BANJO.  When a musician incorporates a banjo in their song, you know they mean business.  Elle's raspy and sweet voice just brings a smile on your face.  I love lines like:

"to be a man would be serene
drinking beer till i get mean
chewing tobacco
cursing girls that lifes a dream
to be a man would be serene"

She's right...that would be pretty damn fun.

"to be a man would be just fine
my only worry would be my receding hairline

to be a man would be damn good
i'd do dumb things cuz i should
get stuck in a ditch like my woman
to be a man would be damn good"



I mean, how cute is that?

New Music: Taking Back Sunday

Full disclosure:  I am a huge Taking Back Sunday fan.  So when they release a new record, I get over the moon excited.  When they have a new record featuring the original line-up?  Well, that’s an extra special kind of excitement – over the moon of JUPITER.  Their self-titled and fifth release is everything I love about a Taking Back Sunday record – catchy hooks, rockin pop-punky beats and songs that make you go bob around and feel like a teenager.  Unlike most Taking Back Sunday fans, I did not get into the band when I was pubescent.  I was well into my adulthood when I found their emo jams and literally could not get enough.  I just read a review of this record and the person was upset that the songs hadn’t matured with the band, as if they are suddenly supposed to start singing about driving a mini-van and paying the mortgage.  Not really what I, personally, am looking for in a TBS song, but I understand that some of their fans may have outgrown the band.

I think that this album is pretty damn good.  I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with it and it has really grown on me.  “You Got Me” and “Call Me In The Morning” are probably up there in the list of my overall favorite TBS songs.  “Call Me In The Morning” especially makes me all emo and lovey-dovey...if only someone would sing that song to me, dammit.   

"You never knew that it would take so long

To understand you're right where you belong.
I don't know where we're going
But I know where we've been
We've been hiding from each other
we've been hiding from our sins

Call me in the morning
Call me when you're home
I know what you've been through
Don't let go"
 

See?  Emo teenager.  That's me. 

Not every song was my favorite, but there are definitely songs that stand out.  I loved “Sad Savior.”  I also really liked “This Is All Now,” which is about being lied to in a relationship.  Sadly relatable.  And then there’s the lovelorn “Since You’re Gone,” which is about wanting someone back after you’ve broken up.  Another unfortunate relatable song.

I missed TBS when they played last night at the House of Blues, but I’m hoping to catch them one day this week for any of their LA appearances to promote the record.  If you’re a TBS fan already, you’re going to like this record.  It may take a minute to get up in ya, but it’s definitely up to par and their best record in a while.  They’re streaming the record for a limited time on their Facebook page, so check it out!

My Morning Jacket

I was lucky enough to score a ticket to My Morning Jacket Wednesday night at the Pantages in Hollywood.  Not my first time seeing them, but it was my first time at that venue.  The show was awesome.  MMJ are easily one of the best live shows you can see.  They always bring good times and a solid show.
 

I'm not going to give you a full review of the show, but I will say that hearing Circuital live was awesome.  Such a great record.  My favorite songs have to be "Circuital," "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)," "You Wanna Freak Out," "Slow Slow Tune" and "Movin' Away."  The songs just seem so special.  I was glad to hear some of my old faves as well - "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2," "I'm Amazed," "Wordless Chorus" and "Off The Record."

Special shout out to Jim James, who isn't afraid to let his freak flag fly.  I was first fascinated by him at Coachella a few years ago when he appeared on stage wearing his skull boots.  He wasn't wearing them on Wednesday night, but he did bring out his cape, which is so amazing when he prances around, pulling it over his head like a super hero.  Love him.  I also appreciate that he performs most of the show wearing a trench coat; it always makes me laugh.

I loved the people there as much as I loved the band.  There was the girl who was passed out the entire show, clutching her purse like she was at a bus stop in South Central.  She was not very happy when we were cheering, or when my friend started banging on the backs of the seats just to annoy her.  She stirred a few times, only to cover her ears and give us dirty looks.  There was also Father Time, who was sitting behind us and said he has seen MMJ 150 times.

P.S. this guy has a girlfriend

New Music: The Chain Gang of 1974

Have you ever dated someone and thought you really liked them a lot, then realized that you liked the idea of them way more than you actually liked them?  This is how I felt about Wayward Fire by The Chain Gang of1974 after my first listen.  I am so blind in love with the first single “Undercover” that I would marry it, my expectations were just too high.  “Undercover” knocked my socks off straight away; I somehow expected for the rest of the record to immediately do the same.

Since I am the queen of giving second (and third) chances when it comes to dating, it’s only fitting to give Wayward Fire another chance as well.  This time, I listened to it really loud and definitely saw it another light.  The Pulp-ish “Stop” starts out the record, then dives right into the Daft Punk-ish “Devil is a Lady” and flows into the dance-y “Hold On,” which practically leapt onto my gym playlist.  I have to admit that I am a fan of the 80’s influence in a lot of the current bands out there, but it’s weird to me to hear current songs and think that they could literally be from the 80’s.  “Heartbreakin’ Scream” may as well be a b-side on a Thompson Twins record and, I’d need to check, but “Taste of Heaven” might be on the Valley Girl Soundtrack.  The menagerie of 80’s influence and sound may turn some people off.  To me, it means the songs are likeable and familiar; like that Forenza sweater I just can’t get rid of.  I really loved “Matter of Time” and “Teenagers.”  And then I heard “Don’t Walk Away,” which is a total homage to “Atmosphere” by Joy Division with the same soul piercing melody.  That alone had my ears bulging, but it was the lyrics that had me at hello.  “I've waited all my life to know you in this way.  I've waited all my life.  I ask and I pray.  Don't walk away.”  Seriously?!  I’m such a dork teenager listening to this song over and over again, all emo and shit.  Damn you, Chain Gang of 1974!!

So, I guess the moral of the story is to not judge a book by its cover and to trust your first instinct…if you think it’s something good, you should give it a chance.  Don’t just give up on a good thing because you’re unsure or not sure if it’s not exactly what you’re used to.  You could be missing out on something as fabulous as Wayward Fire!  

The record is streaming right now at his website, where you can also download "Hold On" for free.

 

New Single: Mean Creek

Mean Creek - The Land of Hopes and Dreams from Kieran John Delaney on Vimeo.


This guy is super emo and about to cry.  Not sure why or what this says about me, but for some reason I am captivated and kinda feel his pain.  The band is Mean Creek and they're from Boston.  Their new single "The Land of Hopes and Dreams" is being released through Old Flame Records and you can actually download it for free on their website.  The song is pretty somber, and I am kind of digging it.  You can also check out their most recent EP, Hemophiliac, which is said to be a collective statement on how the band feels about living in America.  Based on this latest single, I have to think that they aren't going to be wrapping a tour bus with the constitution anytime soon.  Oh well, me neither.

Way Back Wednesday: Public Enemy

Yeah, boyeee!!!  Public Enemy has been on my mind since Flaaaavorrrr Flaaaaav started his publicity tour promoting his new book where he claims he lost his virginity at age 6 and reveals that he had his baby mama living with him during the filming of my former favorite show, Flavor of Love.  She must've been so proud to call him her boo.  Poor Chuck D...having to put up with Flavor Flav and all his shenanigans for the last twenty some odd years.  It was announced that Public Enemy will be playing the Sunset Strip Music Festival August 18-20, 2011.  So, us Angelenos can check out Flav and all his glory this summer!

New Single: Fool's Gold

   Fool's Gold - Street Clothes by iamsoundrecords

You may remember Fool's Gold from their first album of afro-pop tinged beats or their various "other" projects, such as Foreign Born.  Fool's Gold have a new record coming out on August 16th from IAMSOUND records and it's sure to be a treat.  "Street Clothes" seems to be a progressive shuffle away from the first record, but is wonderful all the same.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what these guys have in store for us when Leave No Trace is released.  In the meantime, you can download "Street Clothes" below so you can be really ready when they play the FYF Fest on September 3rd!

 

This week in OBSESSED...

1.  BABY DRAGONS

Really, Game of Thrones?!!  You do some crazy-making, pop out some baby dragons and expect me to WAIT until Spring, 2012 for what happens next?!  I know, I know.  I can read the book.  But, I tried.  And, I was so damned confused that I had to abort that mission.  I may have to have another go, because shit just got real and mama needs to know what's next.  Sadly, none of it will bring my boyfriend, Ned Stark back.  And, that's just depressing.

2.  THE KILLING

I read today that the internets are abuzz about how pissed off they are that there was no real resolution as to "Who Killed Rosie Larsen?" But, come on.  Did you really think that they would resolve the case?  We already know it's picked up for a second season.  Maybe I am not as much of a curmudgeon as I thought when it comes to my "stories."  I wasn't mad, I just didn't want it to be done.  I'm just still SO CONFUSED!!  Oddly enough, I may have withdrawals from that Seattle gloominess that makes me feel so lucky to live in Southern California (even if it was in the middle of "June Gloom.")

3.  ROBYN


I'm kind of always obsessed with Robyn and her sweet ass dance moves.  Not only do I love this song, but the level of sashaying, shimmying and rolling around on the ground in this video is off the charts.  Every Robyn video from here on out should feature her doing interpretive dance in an empty airplane hangar.  In fact, every VIDEO from here on out should feature Robyn doing interpretive dance in an empty airplane hangar.  (Please note that this video is an exact visual representation of what it's like when I come home drunk and dance around in my living room.)

New Single: Graffiti 6

Holy Nick Lachey, this guy is a total doppelganger.  While he is way more talented musically and not quite as yoked, he could totally pass for Nick Lachey sans shitty tattoos circa 1998 or get into clubs claiming to be his kid circa now.  That said, I really dig his music.  Graffiti6 is the hot new thing to come out of Britain and is comprised of singer-songwriter Jamie Scott and songwriter-producer TommyD.  They started the group in 2009 and recently signed to Capitol Records for their first US single and upcoming digital EP out June 28th, which also features a cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity."  I likkity.  They've been on Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill and MTV's revamped Teen Wolf.

Graffiti6 are coming to the US in July and you can catch them on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic on July 5th or on tour:

7/7                  Los Angeles, CA               Hammer Museum

7/8                  San Francisco, CA             Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop

7/10                Portland, OR                       Doug Fir

7/11                Seattle, WA                         Chop Suey

7/13-15           Las Vegas, NV                    Book & Stage @ The Cosmopolitan

7/16                San Diego, CA                    91x Fest @ Cricket Amphitheater

8/6                  Southampton, NY               Escape To New York Festival

Download a remix of "Annie You Save Me" at their website.

Just Say Yes to the FYF Fest!!!

O M G!  Someone over at Goldenvoice is trying to make me a really really happy girl.  The Descendents are headlining this year's FYF Fest!!!!  I have been waiting so long to see them play and finally my chance is here!  Also playing are Broken Social Scene, Cults, Guided By Voices, Dead Milkmen(!!) and The Head and the Heart among many many others.  I am so beyond excited!!!!!  Looks like Labor Day weekend will be a little more exciting than usual!  And, thanks Goldenvoice for making this year's FYF Fest a true Fuck Yeah Fest!!!

New Music: Bon Iver

Prior to this record, I wasn’t really familiar with Bon Iver.  Truth be told, I was kind of turned off by the name.  I somewhat associated it with Bon Jovi, though I knew that the music had nothing to do with JBJ.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but I have far worse reasons to not pay attention to bands than that (I inexplicably cannot STAND the name Badly Drawn Boy…it makes my blood boil, but I love the music he did for About A Boy…no rhyme, no reason).  Anyway. 

Bon Iver’s Bon Iver is a beauty that should be listened to in its entirety from start to finish.  When people (read: Bob Lefsetz) talk about the album dying, I have to think that he isn’t paying attention to records like this.  Jumping in for one song or in the middle of the record would be like being plopped down in the middle of the enchanted forest with no directions.  You don’t want to miss out on any of it.  As a whole, the record is soft, sweet, melodic, hypnotic and mesmerizing.  It builds from a mellow sleepy beginning into this emotive and ironic crescendo of passion and folksiness, taking you on an emotional journey of fuzzy and rich orchestration. 

I love this record and have been listening to it on repeat all day.  It’s the perfect accompaniment to a melancholic or introspective day.  It’s hard to pick a favorite song as I feel that the whole record works so well together that it needs to stay as such, but I loved “Minnesota, WI,” “Holocene” and “Towers.” And, I’m obsessed with “Calgary.”  The song names appear to be an homage to different places.  When I close my eyes, I can almost smell the cedar inside the wood cabin, tucked in the most beautiful of each of these locations. 

Right now, you can stream the record at NPR and pre-order at Amazon before it’s released on Tuesday, June 21st.  I highly recommend!

Way Back Wednesday: OMD

In honor of my very first gay boyfriend Bryan's birthday, I thought I'd bring back a song that we loved back in high school.  I was going to post "Believe" by R.E.M. as that was the theme song of the "Literary Tour" that he did for a school presentation, but apparently R.E.M.'s publishing company are Nazis and won't allow you to stream any of their music.  Sorry!  So, you are getting "We Love You" by OMD, which was one of our favorite driving-to-Arby's-at-lunch jams.  I think we probably listened to this song about 750 times at full volume.  We thought we were soo cool.

Here's us at prom:

And, because it's a big birthday, I thought I'd throw in a double whammy.  Once I got on about those lunchtime jams I couldn't leave out Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam's "All Cried Out."  Helloooo, another favorite!!  (Keep in mind that I had NO IDEA he was gay.)  So, today is a bonus Way Back Wednesday.  And, I just found out that "All Cried Out" is also the favorite of my new gay boyfriend, whose birthday is ironically also today. Apparently I love me some gay Geminis!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY fellas!!!  You are all faaaaabulous!!!

New Single: Lex Land

  Havana Timeline by Lex Land

I heard "Havana" by Lex Land this morning and was immediately transfixed and went into Jeannie, Music Stalker P.I. mode.  I uncovered that she is from Southern California but is now based out of Austin, TX.  She had a song on "One Tree Hill."  And, her second record called Were My Sweetheart To Go is coming out August 16th on Intelligent Noise Records.  I also found out that there is way more where "Havana" came from.  She's streaming seven songs on her website, and offering a free download of the single "Oh My!"  Oh my! is right!!  Don't miss "Ides of March" and "All We've Ever Done."