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.