A certain song has been on repeat on my iTunes lately to support the paradox. It's called "Shampoo" by Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson. Give it a listen, it's terrific Fall music. Sad, hopeful, confused. All at once.
"Shampoo" off of Breakup
THE SKINNY: Japandroids is a two-piece rock outfit that is radiating with palpable high energy, relentless power chords, and aggressive vocals.WEBSITE: http://japandroids.com
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/japandroids
PURCHASE: Amazon, via Polyvinyl
"Face melting" is a term that has been used and abused to the point of nausea by people who tend to mock the aggression and energy put forth by simple approaches to song-writing and performance. It can also be used to mock heavy metal, but that is neither here nor there. In the post-modern aesthetic that we currently find ourselves entrenched in, it becomes increasingly difficult to discard the ironic perceptions and the unwarranted comparisons to the old. What I'm trying to say here is this: Is it possible to just appreciate a kick ass rock band anymore? Can we enjoy some good old-fashioned face melting?
Japandroids are doing their best to answer that question with a resounding "Yes." One very vigorous drummer. One very loud guitarist. Two very passionate singers. Lyrics are overflowing with all of the teen angst that a "One Tree Hill" fan could possibly endure. It's safe to say that the amps are turned up to 11, the drum fills are sloppy and careless, and the singing is slightly annoying. It all blends together for a brand of music that makes you want to jump on a pogo stick in your apartment while eating rainbow twizzlers and grinning from ear to ear.
Pretentious critics have described their sound with the following terms: "Noise Rock" (...? What does that even mean?) and "Lo-fi" (Which is a term used by musical tools and faux anthropologists to say that the recording quality of your music sounds like shit, but it sounds like shit on purpose). Do yourself a favor and avoid the critiques and reviews. Listen to their latest album, entitled Post Nothing, and envision that you're in a cramped VFW hall, and the walls are vibrating from the decibels of sound that are permeating the entire venue. After that, I guarantee that you will appreciate the powerful rock force that is this duo from Vancouver, British Columbia.
"Wet Hair" off of Post-Nothing:
FAVORITE TRACK: "The Boys are Leaving Town"
FOR FANS OF: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Wavves
THE SKINNY: St. Vincent is like having a nightmare with sex somehow happening simultaneously. WEBSITE: http://www.ilovestvincent.com/
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/st_vincent
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/stvincent
PURCHASE: Amazon
Annie Clark, the multi-instrumentalist behind St. Vincent, is probably suffocating under the steady stream of positive press she has been receiving since the release of her second full-length album Actor. Therefore, one would believe the need for more compliments from the Praise For Wallflower staff would be at a minimum. Well, sadly for her, she is going to receive said compliments anyway.
Clark's talents not only as a player, but an arranger of music, are clearly exemplified on her sophomore release. It is so difficult to describe the sound of her music in terms of style and genre. A film scoring major might be better suited to review her material, as her sound encompasses a variety of instruments. The best way to describe her sound is to say that each second is so carefully detailed and noted. There are highs and lows, but Clark never loses sight of the big picture. Actor is carefully woven together by someone who is well aware of what they are doing.
Clark says that, while writing Actor, she drew inspiration from films such as "Annie Hall." It's an influence that is palpable throughout all of the album. I cannot help but feel that Clark slaved over each note on this album, achieving a level of precision that is will beyond her years. Even when she takes a solo, though it sounds rugged and careless, it somehow seamlessly eases into the music while not distracting you from all that surrounds it.
The following might not be relevant for those of you who aren't complete geeks, but for those of you who have ever played the video game "Final Fantasy VII," listen to the last two minutes of "Black Rainbow" and tell me that you don't envision Sephiroth killing Tifa's father at the Mt. Nibel mako reactor. I am dead serious. There is an epic, captivating aura heard in St. Vincent's music, but it is merely a veneer. The music and lyrics have an underlying sinister vibe, a sound that is only intensified by the numbness of her voice. It is best heard in "Marrow." Near the end of the song, Clark repeats "H-E-L-P" so lifelessly, but standing next to an escalating synthesizer it is quite possibly the most frightening 10 seconds I have ever heard.
There isn't much more I can say about St. Vincent that you probably have not already heard, so I'm stopping here. Just listen to Actor. Front to back. Even if you decide it isn't for you, I still think you will be glad you listened to it. If you want to catch St. Vincent live, they will begin touring again starting Sept. 29 in Indianapolis, Ind.
"The Strangers" off of Actor:
THE SKINNY: In theory, this album shouldn't be as good as it is. Oh, but it is.
WEBSITE: http://www.bowerbirds.org/
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/bowerbirds
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/bowbowtribe
Bowerbirds, a band featured here not too long ago, have a new album out entitled Upper Air. Though it is very similar to their last album in terms of style and structure, somehow they get away with producing a cookie cutter album by assembling a captivating collection of songs. Personally, I am never a supporter of duplicates. I am impressed by progress and evolution instead of a recreation of the old. But somehow, the album's pure beauty is enough to distract me from the lack of growth. The instrumentation, melodies and raspy harmonies still maintain a freshness that lures me in without putting up much of a fight. Their myspace page has a few tracks from the album available for listening, but all of the songs are best heard in context.
"Teeth" off of Upper Air
FAVORITE TRACK: Teeth
FOR FANS OF: Beirut, M. Ward, Andrew Bird
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/anniecrane
Some of us have been fortunate enough to hear stories about how our parents and grandparents came to this country, and pending on the depth of that particular knowledge that was bestowed, it often provided you with a rich understanding of where you have come from, where you have been, and where you’re heading.It doesn’t take much for Annie Crane to convey this deep sense of history as well as her anticipation of the future in her debut album Through the Farmlands & the Cities. Few artists have the ability to take you along with them; to make you feel as if you’re a spectator of the travels and defining moments. Crane invites you to watch, hiding nothing from the listener, and all the while showing her strong ties to her family, life and the Mid-Atlantic.
Parts of the album sound as if they were written while sitting on hotel beds, or while sitting in the passenger seat during a multiple-hour drive. Throughout the album, you can’t help but feel that you are on a road trip through various cities and destinations of the Northeast and beyond. In no time, you hear references to Seneca Falls, New York City, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Delaware, the Mississippi river, Chicago, Canada, Maine and Georgia. And this is all within the first three tracks.
Crane’s classical vocal training provides a strong anchor, as her voice is never overshadowed by the accompanying instruments. But even though her rich, powerful voice is the main conveyor of the message, she harnesses only what she needs for each song, instead of exhibiting overwhelming vocal power. Crane has the ability to add the delicate nuances that a song such as “Our Families” demands. The softness of her voice adds a contemplative quality to the song and it allows you to vividly conjure the images that she effortlessly paints with her descriptive lyrics.
But voice isn’t the only strength of Crane’s music. Guitar, lap steel, violin and harmonica all add proper grace to her sound. All of the instruments are blended perfectly and they have the ability to take you to a different region in a moment’s notice. At times you might feel as if you’re gliding up the New York State Thruway and others might take you down I-85 en route to Atlanta. It is this convergence of regional sounds that gives Crane’s music its eclectic quality.
Crane’s sound is a seamless merger of both folk and country, but her voice and style also recall certain elements of Celtic and Scottish music. She breezes through verses with busy vocal notes, but she has a tendency to hold her last note out longer and add just enough vibrato at the end to give the phrases entrancing depth, as is often heard in Irish and Scottish ballads. “Empire State” provides a perfect example, as she makes references to wind whipping by high in the sky and for a moment you might be waiting for a reference to Belfast or Caledonia, before remembering that you’re listening to an American artist from upstate New York.
Crane has assembled a wonderful, lively documentation of her experiences and she makes it easy and enjoyable for you to sing along with her. Her powerful, yet delicate voice takes you from place to place and moment to moment. It might even encourage you to have a few more moments of your own. What I do know is this: If I ever make my dream journey from Cork to Edinburgh, this album will certainly provide part of the soundtrack.
FAVORITE TRACK: "Our Families"
FOR FANS OF: Joni Mitchell, Neko Case, Patrick Street, Joan Baez
| http://reginaspektor.com | ||
| http://myspace.com/reginaspektor | ||
| Straight from Reg | ||
| The Skinny | Regina Spektor returns with another bittersweet, charming album that is sure to please her listeners and echo throughout the halls of coffee shops once again | |
|---|---|---|
| For Fans Of | Neko Case, Wilco, St. Vincent | |
Singer-songwriter Regina Spektor has earned a reputation for crafting quirky, poppy anthems through the use of bouncy rhythms and creative melodic schemes.
In that sense, she does not disappoint on her latest album, Far. Considering the noteworthy success of her 2006 album Begin to Hope, which reached No. 19 on billboards in the United States, her latest release is much anticipated.
Loyal fans of her unique sound will not be disappointed, as all of the Regina Spektor trademarks are present. However, those seeking something more might be aching for a change in direction. Either way, the album still manages to be memorable through its catchy hooks and playful song structure.
Regina Spektor is on tour in Europe, but will be returning to the states with a performance in St. Paul, Minn. on September 11.
| http://myspace.com/anhorse | ||
| http://twitter.com/anhorse | ||
| The Skinny | A two-person indie band, doing a lot with a little. | |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite Track | Campout | |
| For Fans Of | Tegan and Sara | |
Don't get me wrong. Many bands accomplish this seamlessly, but this approach allows one to appreciate when a band produces a great sound by using the most simple of arrangements.
Kate Cooper (guitar, vocals) and Damon Cox (drums, vocals) of the Australian band An Horse are leading the way. After being invited by Tegan & Sara to join their U.S. tour, An Horse has been able to find success in the states, and it led to an appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on March 12.
There is no puffery to be found in the music of An Horse. Vocals, guitar, drums, and 4/4 meters. No bass. Their first and latest full-length album, Rearrange Beds, won't overwhelm you with its production value and diverse musical influences.
"Campout" off of Rearrange Beds
But looking for uniqueness in production and complexity in songwriting would lead you to miss the point. The passion in Cooper's voice is palpable throughout the album, alternating between moments of delicate phrases and raspy aggression. Cooper displays no shame in revealing her insecurities through her songwriting, enabling the band to speak forcefully without saying much. Energetic percussion and vigorous strumming of a lightly distorted guitar provide the perfect setting for Cooper's voice.
An Horse is on tour and will be appearing at Union Hall and the Mercury Lounge on Saturday and Sunday (June 13th, 14th).
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/bowerbirds
Bowerbids is a folk group from Raleigh, North Carolina, and consists of two main members: Phil Moore (lead guitar, vocals) and Beth Tacular (accordion, keys, vocals). They have employed a multitude of different supporting musicians, but are currently touring with Matt Damron, who plays drums and lends vocal support.
The band has an excellent understanding of how to construct a song. Moore's voice is often the perfect accent to the surrounding instruments. He never overwhelms the listener by attempting to overpower the supporting cast. His voice does precisely what is asked of it, allowing the deceivingly thick texture to be prominent.
Avoiding grand arrangements is really a motif for the entire band. You can hear every instrument. The role of each sound is carefully thought through, and one never drowns out another.
What makes Bowerbirds so admirable is that they are bringing life to a sound that has a tendency to get old rather quickly. We have all heard the annoying folk guy at a party, clutching his dented and scratched classical guitar, blithely screeching away as he butchers Neutral Milk Hotel selections. You don't get that vibe from this band. When they sing, you believe them. And it's something we need more of.
THE SKINNY: An introspective folk group with a unique attention placed on rhythmic creativity
FAVORITE TRACK: "In our Talons"
FOR FANS OF: Beirut, M. Ward
After having countless interactions with Dave through attending his performances, spending hours listening to his albums, and carefully heeding his sage advice, I have become completely enamored with what Dave has created. You can say the same for the myriad of people who packed The Baggot Inn during his weekly residency at the humble West 3rd Street bar until its closing in late 2008.
Dave's sound is littered with the riffs and licks of those he grew up gathering inspiration from. Hearing a tint of Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Albert King and other guitar pioneers is a common theme throughout his music. Dave uses that inspiration to craft an identity that is entirely his own. It is a sound deeply rooted in blues and traditional bitter rock and roll, but Dave infuses those familiar sounds with a blistering brand of efficiency on his instrument. The effortlessness in which he glides up and down the fretboard of his '50s Fender Strat is both intimidating and awe-inspiring. His devastatingly dynamic solos prompt you to gaze in a state of disbelief as your eyes constantly fail to keep up with his fingers. It is evident to even the most arbitrary of music enthusiasts that he has a certain command of the instrument, which is exemplified through every second of any of his songs. His music professes about life's harsher realities and the routine vexations of love and work. He vouches for the weekend warrior and the broken hearted alike.
Dave has assembled a body of work that needs no cute praise from a moron like myself, but I will give it said praise regardless. He has recorded three full-length albums, which includes his latest release, "Antennas." His older albums consisted of more epic jams and traditional blues anthems, but in "Antennas" Dave compresses his tracks to a cohesive and fluid style which provides an onslaught of bitter blues rock tunes that you will be humming for weeks after listening.
THE SKINNY: An aggressive, passionate and soulful blues rock artist whose guitar skills are unparalleled
FAVORITE TRACK: "The Positive" off of his third release "Antennas."
APPROPRIATE FOR: Anyone who loathes their job, girlfriend or mother-in-law.
FOR FANS OF: Eric Clapton, Albert King, Luther Allison, Led Zeppelin
"Gilligan's Island:"
