The Boxer Rebellion - 'No Harm' In Checking These Guys Out

Received an email this evening from my sister about these guys, and so far I have been VERY impressed.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention that, yes, they do hail from England.  I am starting to think that maybe I am just destined to like British bands more than other bands...? Who knows..  The caveat here though is that they are made up of a Tennessee vocalist, an Australian guitarist, English bassist, and English drummer.  So I guess they garner their creativity from all over.

THE BOXER REBELLION




They actually have three (3) albums out, but I am only focusing on their two most recent.  Union & The Cold Still are both very solid all the way around.  I am going to have to spend a lot more time on these guys, but my first impressions have been stellar.  I feel as though they have a really crisp sound that still has haunting chord progressions, and it isn't too heavy on the reverb.

I have come across a handful of songs just in a short couple hours of listening that are really something.  The vocals are very tight, the harmonies are spot on, and the chord progressions are more complicated than most alt-rock groups are willing to work through.  There really is nothing less satisfying than 3 chord rock-and-roll.  However, these guys bring some real depth, and some vibrant color.

I also really like the name.. why not right?  Let's hear some tunes.

THE COLD STILL


-No Harm-
This is the first track from this album, and it basically set the pace for me.  It was the piece that got me going, and I think it is a good impression of the type of sound they have.  Really fond of the chorus here.



-Step Out of the Car-
This is a really solid song as well.   It starts out with a rather abrasive bassline, but really launches into some nice lead-guitar riffs and passionate vocals.  Definitely a favorite.



-Organ Song- 
Really like this little guy as well.  Some really awesome harmonics on this track.




-Caught By The Light-
A little bit slower of the a track, but some really beautiful simplistic work.  I am fond of it because it is so minimalist, and yet still works.




UNION


-Semi-Automatic-
I think this is maybe my favorite off of this album, though I would have to go back and listen to the entire album again to be sure of it.  I just really think its a great song, and I love the chorus.




-Soviets-
Like the acoustic work on this track, has some really compelling elements to it.  The vocals for some reason sound different on this track though, could be the new headphones...  Listen to the part that starts at 2:36.




-Spitting Fire-
Just a nice track.  Solid fundamental alt-rock.  Some really nice pieces to it that lend well.  A great listen.




If you want to hear some more good songs, I would sincerely suggest just downloading both of these albums, as they are seemingly spot on.  As I said, I need to spend more than 1 day listening to these guys, but needless to say I have been really impressed.

Hope you enjoyed, and be sure to leave comments if it so pleases you.

Cheers,

-CS Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Quick Hits - Pogo, Owsey/Stumbleine/Shura, Last Days, Last Night Flavor, Coolbalance

Been spending some quality time on Turntable.fm this week, and ran across some really nice stuff.  You will notice that some of it can be somewhat repetitive, but overall I think the sonic quality is a bit hard to pass on sharing.  I found all of this on the Ambient/Trip-Hop channel that they have on Turntable, and there is actually one guy who consistently plays things that are worth listening to.  So kudos to him.

On another note, I put in some quality time on one of my two songs I have been working on, and am starting to make some slight progress.  Still learning Ableton as I go along, and reading as much as I can when I have a moment.  Needless to say, some things are sort of starting to come together.

Let's hear some tunes..

POGO - BLOOM (DISNEY REMIX)

You might want to pay attention to the Youtube video on this one, as it is absolutely amazing.  I have no idea if that is actually how the song was mixed, but it appears that it was made with little samples of all our favorite childhood disney movies and then matched visually.  I was pretty impressed by how well it was put together, and I had to share it.  It's very cool.





OWSEY, STUMBLEINE, & SHURA - YOU CAME OUT OF NOWHERE

This song is gorgeous.  There really isn't much else to say about it.  You won't be out there dancing around to it, but if you are contemplating the meaning of life, put this one on.  I really like the mix on this track, and the vocals.  It is repetitive, but the harmonization in there is just 'magnifique.'  Absolutely mesmerizing song, and I like the little painting in the video.





LAST DAYS - YOUR BIRDS (SEA)

Very chill song.  Kind of reminded me of the same sort of style that you might hear when listening to 'Explosions in the Sky'.  I know a lot of people like that band, and I too enjoy some of their work.  I think I like them more just because I associate them with 'Friday Night Lights' (great show btw).  I don't think it's an incredible song, but there is some interesting stuff going on in there, and the dark and ambient elements you hear in there can be pretty though provoking.





LAST NIGHT FLAVOR - LOST IN TIME

This is more of a remix between a couple tunes that are in the 'my favorites' category.  There is some Thomas Newman mixed in with Reflekt, but at an incredibly chill tempo.  It's an interesting track, but not one that I would listen to to get pumped up.  It has a nice deep, rich and dark sound, and anything that uses Newman is a good idea.





COOLBALANCE - AGAIN, SHE'S HAUNTED

Again a deep and dark chilled track, but I love it.  If you are feeling pensive, give it a listen.  I feel like ambient or chill music can really help me get work done, as it isn't invasive.  Sort of the modern day symphony, but obviously made with a computer.





Hope you enjoyed some of the tracks here, and as always feel free to leave any feedback.

Cheers,

-CS

Quick Hit - Great Skies & Ivan Dubsky

This little beat has some very smooth sounds to it.  This is something I would absolutely love to sample at some point.  Has a really solid mix, without getting too muddy on the reverb aspects.  Really like this tune..

Check it out.




Almost the weekend!!

Cheers,

-CS

One Year Anniversary - Has It Really Been That Long?

Yes lads and gents... it has been one year.  One whole year....  If you can't believe it, how can I?

I specifically remember writing my first post here on The Local Natives one year ago tonight.  Except that when I was done with the post it was about 4am in the morning.  Tonight cannot possibly run on that long, and if you haven't had a chance to read the The Local Natives post, or listen to some of their music, then I implore you to do so.

In the meantime, I wanted to update the masses (all 15 of you) that I have been doubling down on my efforts on the music production side of things.  What does this mean you ask?  Well... as you may have noticed you haven't seen any finished products yet.  Why is that?  A couple of reasons..

1.  Mixing with headphones is very difficult.
    a.  The Bose cans I have been using are specifically designed to make crappy music sound good.  This is why my mixes are so ridiculous, but not the only reason.  So I am looking into purchasing some new KRK Rockit8s, and a new set of cans (Beyerdynamic 770s).  That should help in the mixing, as I also purchased a book to help in sound design and mixing.  Lots of reading!

2.  Ableton is 50x the tool I thought it was.  When I thought of mixing, I assumed it was just, you put all these tracks together, adjusted the volume, and boom.. song.  Not the case.  There are 50 different kinds of filters, EQing, Compressing, Mastering... you name it.  I was in way over my head, but luckily I really enjoy reading about this kind of stuff, and I am learning.  It is a truly incredible tool.

3. I have spent the vast majority of my time reading about Ableton, watching videos on how to make Dubstep beats like Skrillex, and trying to match the lessons therein.  It has been utterly fascinating, and it.. takes... hours....

This means that I have not really put too much time into actual production, I.E. creating songs that I want people to hear that I am not embarrassed to release.  I will say though that I am on the fast track to making that happen, way more so than I was ever before.  I have learned so much even this week, and I am absolutely starving for more.

It is so funny, you try and put a deadline on a hobby just to simply do it, and what ends up happening is that you make just as many excuses as to why you can't get that done as you would if you hadn't finished a work project.  I absolutely view this as a hobby (obviously), but I am committed to making this the year of acceleration.  I am going to be busting my hobby-ass to make this happen.  There are many things that I want in life, from the petty to the not so petty, but my biggest dream is to be able to create music.  2012 is the year.  No doubt.  Even if I don't complete all of an album, I want to be damn close to finishing one, EP or LP.

They say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert.  I'm working on it.


So enough about me, what do you think about me...  onto some music.


GOLD PANDA - MARRIAGE (STAR SLINGER REMIX)

This song is absolutely as tight as it can be.  I am thoroughly impressed by some of the sonic techniques employed here.  I love the hat paired with the kick, as it really brings it through in the mix, and I think the snares that connect the kicks are just as compelling from a beat-standpoint.  I am obsessed with the melody, and I love the breakbeat style of everything.  Some of the synths in the breakdowns are a tad cheesy sounding, but the overall mix is truly impeccable.  I don't see it as muddy at all, and I think the musical showmanship is over the top amazing.  I think some of the analog sounds they use are incredible as well.  This really is a great beat to jam in the car on full blast.  Check it out..




ELECTRIC GUEST - THIS HEAD I HOLD

Calling all the Alt-rock fans.  This is a great jam.  I love the reverb/distortion they have on the vocals, and I think the overall composition is just a feel-good song.  You want something to pump you up in the morning on the way to the office?  Yeah, you're welcome..



Only two for tonight, but I hope you enjoy.

In the meantime, let me wax poetically here for a second.

What have I learned in a year?  I have learned that no matter what, I have no regrets about writing this blog.  Spending the time trying to find things that I thought people might like, and even opening dialogues about music simply because I mentioned I wrote a musical blog.  I have learned what other people enjoy about music.  I have learned about other genres of music, and how and why to appreciate them.  I have learned that just because a certain song incites an ear-gasm for me, doesn't mean it is the same for someone else.  Needless to say it has been ABSOLUTELY fascinating.  It also helps me stay somewhat dedicated to realizing a small dream, and it is something that I enjoy doing.  I will of course try to do it more often!

In a year, this small, obscure blog has had about 7,000 visitors.  I want to thank each and every one of you for stopping by, and I want to encourage all of you to leave your suggestions, comments, and ideas.  Not a one is any less important than any other.

Cheers,

-CS

Santigold, Bombay Bicycle Club, Death Cab For Cutie - Quick Hits For A Glorious Tuesday

I wanted to post a couple alt-rock songs that I have had the pleasure of hearing a few times over the radio.  Some really solid stuff.  Check em out below!

SANTIGOLD - DISPARATE YOUTH





Have to say I kind of dig the hip-hop-ish beat, and the musical composition is clever and upbeat.  Interesting music video too.  Hope you dig.


BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB - SHUFFLE





Big fan of this tune.  I like the harmonization between the vocals and the piano piece during the chorus.  Total jam..


DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - UNDERNEATH THE SYCAMORE





Nice laid-back tune with some nice chorus work.  It's a very simple composition, but I still think its a good song to play on the way to work or something.

Actually saw these guys live, and they put on a really solid show... not sure I had really listened to much of their work previous to seeing them live.  Though I was inexorably aware of 'The Postal Service', and had of course heard some Death Cab songs.

Enjoy.

-CS

A Silent Film - Oh Weird... They Are From England

Well wouldn't it be super insane if another band came out that was really solid, and was also from England?  That would be weird right?

I am starting to wonder if they are hoarding most of the talent...

A SILENT FILM










A Silent Film is a small alt-rock band from Oxford, England, and I literally just started playing them after hearing them on Sirius Alt Nation the other day.  They really have a sort of Keane or Coldplay like aura to their music, but it is a little more electronic in some cases, which brings out some M83.  I have just listened to about 4-5 songs, and loved them all.  That... never... happens.

Robert Stevenson has a really nice set of vocals, and the sound is just really pleasing to the ear.  You might have to take a second to listen through some of this, as there is a lot of buildup and quality in there.  Apparently they came together in 2005, so again I am late to the party here, but I am really impressed nonetheless. Apparently the influence around their name came from a melody that was written in response to something off of a Charlie Chaplin film.  I always love getting those back stories.

Let's get to some tunes...

-Driven By a Beating Heart-
This is just a really sweet song.  I think the opener is somewhat like M83, and then it launches into a Coldplay like chorus.  If you like either of those bands, you will definitely like this.



-Thirteen Times The Strength-
Another really solid and beautiful track.  It has that same concert hall sound, but the chorus on this piece is incredible.  I am totally loving this tune..




-Sleeping Pills-
Really liked the lyrics on this, and the xylophone-like overlay.  Again.. killer chorus.



-Juile June-
Another really solid tune...



If this hasn't intrigued you to listen to a little more of these guys, then I do NOT know what to say to you.  They aren't overly flashy, and they aren't entirely unique, as I kept comparing them to bands that sort of have a similar sound.  However, they do what they do VERY well.

Let me know what you think..

-CS

Quick Hits - Pantha Du Prince, araabMUZIK, Apparat

Came across some interesting stuff over the last few months, and have been listening to it furiously.  Wanted to throw it out there for folks who might have some interest.

APPARAT - CANDIL DE LA CALLE
This song is pretty riveting stuff... Which of course comes as no surprise, as it comes from our boy Apparat  who I know we all love at this point right??  It has a slow pace, but still conveys some pain and emotion that is pretty tangible.  I really love the chorus on this one..




PANTHA DU PRINCE - WELT AM DRAHT
I am just mesmerized by this song.  Sonic-ally there is just SO MUCH going on.  You really have to check this one out if you like ambient and chill music. Takes a hot minute to get off the ground, but start hearing some of the most awe inspiring sound at 2:30 and beyond.  The best version is on Spotify though, as it is shorter.



ARAABMUZIK - GOLDEN TOUCH
If you can suffer through the first 18 or so seconds of strange techno vocals that don't really match the subsequent beat, then you are in for some pretty intense (though repetitive) beat making.  I honestly would love to hear Jay-Z get in there and put some lyrics over this...




ARAABMUZIK - LET IT GO
I like the vocals here.. don't know why or what causes it, but again female vocals.. I just assume all these girls look like models...  Pretty sick beat though.



If you want to hear some more of Araab's stuff, you might want to check out Feelin So Hood, Silent World, Make it Happen, and AT2.


Thanks for checking it out.

-CS

Above and Beyond - The Measuring Stick for Determining Whether You Like Electronic Music and Most Especially Trance

So.. February came and went, and I didn't post a single thing.  I also didn't spend a single minute creating any music..  That... is... no bueno.  Let's see what we can do here in March!  Hooah.

These guys didn't write the book, but they could have easily co-authored it.  Above and Beyond is one of the most highly touted and most talented trance/house/electro groups out there.  You may have noticed a serious shift in main-stream pop these days, where it is all starting to sound very techno/house oriented.  I would go so far as to say that producers are pulling a lot of influence from Above and Beyond.  They are incredibly well known in the European scene, and are responsible for a weekly 2 hour electronic music Podcast that they post every Monday where they promote the latest and greatest going on in the Electro-house/trance scene.  You are certainly welcome to check this out, and I have spoken of it before.  It is called Trance Around the World.

I don't really recall when I came across these guys, but I would say that it really opened up some doors for me.  I think it may have started when I was getting into Royksopp, and then that quickly transformed into some A&B.  They seem to transcend the genre on many occasions, while still keeping trance roots.  You may have heard some of their stuff over the years, as they have been around for a while.

ABOVE AND BEYOND








As is common with the Trance/House/Electro genre, you run into a ton of remixing, and that is part of its beauty, and maybe also part of its shortcomings.  You can hear fifty different versions of the same song, each one taking on a multitude of different elements, and yet when you get to the end of the day it is still someone else's work.  I think aside from repetitive base and percussion lines, you end up with a ton of crap.  Above and Beyond are the exception to that rule.  It almost seems like everything they touch turns to gold.  I have heard a lot of their own remixes of their own original songs, and it just seems to get better than it was before.

I have been listening to their album Tri-State a lot over the years, and I wouldn't say that it is a complete album by any stretch.  They have some throw-away tunes, or rather tunes that just don't capture my ear that well.  However, they also have some amazing stuff, that I find myself jamming to quite a bit.

They were formed in 2000 in London, and the group consists of Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamaki.  I believe that Paavo is Nordic (Sweden or something), and the rest are from the mother-country I think (that is if you too are Anglo-Saxon).  They have quickly rocketed up through the ranks, and are considered one of the best DJ tandems in the world.  I haven't listened to much of their stuff lately, but that doesn't mean I won't write about it.  If you like this kind of music, then you absolutely love these guys.

I don't know what it is, but smooth female vocals over electronic music just gets me.  Why?  I couldn't tell you at all...  I will say though that I love when they team up with Oceanlab and Zoe Johnston as well.

Let's take a look at some of their work shall we?

-Tri-State-
I think this is just a really neat piece of music.  It only serves as an intro to their Tri-State album, but it is at least original, and it just feels ethereal.  As though the piano is passing right through your chest and winding around you up to your ears.  Don't ask me what the hell that even means.




-Filmic-
This is the other intro song from Group Therapy, and it is just gorgeous... Very impressive stuff.




-World on Fire-
This song is just a real high energy piece.  Again off of their Tri-State album, and I really like when they launch into the vocal loop, because I think it adds a nice compliment.  I think this would be an absolutely amazing song to hear blasting at a show like Dayglow... which I am actually going to.. should be interesting!




-Can't Sleep-
This is a really popular tune, and I love all the elements in it.  I just think that the lyrics get a little repetitive.  Not a knock, just kind of true.




-Sun & Moon-
Interesting little song, some really solid harmonies.  I actually really kind of like his voice as well.  I don't know which one of them that is.




-Alchemy-
This track is one of those ones with Zoe Johnston.  I really really like her voice, and that's about all I have to say about that.  Though what is going behind her is some pretty incredible harmonics and sounds all around.




-Sirens of the Sea-
There are a billion versions of this song, but this is the original.. A really relaxing song...



So there are many more songs I could post, but these are some of the ones that I have listened to more over the years.  I will probably come back to these guys in time and add some more to their tag.

Trance isn't for everyone, this I know.  However, give it a shot and see what you think.

More to come.

Many thanks,

-CS

Quick Hits - Sweet Nectar..

Whoa.. he's alive?  Yes, I am actually alive...  I apologize for the extended absence, and lack of content in the last few weeks, along with the whole last few months.  Can't say that it will change too drastically in the near future, but in the same right, I would love to be able to get back to a post or two a week, and also get back to making some tunes.

Anyhow, I was perusing Pandora the other day, and came across quite the little gem.

SUB SWARA - NECTAR (Feat. KENDRA FOSTER)



Lots of electronic influences obviously on this track, but I absolutely love the vocals.  This Kendra Foster has quite the sultry voice, and one that really shines when mixed to sound like it is coming out of a 1920's radio.  I think there might be a few too many "-ation" rhymes, but oh well.  I also love the deep bass beats, and guitar work over top.

Sub Swara is a definite drum and bass electronic group, but they do spend some time working with analog instrumentation to compliment their digital compilations.  I am incredibly fond of this song, and would like to hear another like it at some point, but have not yet looked into Sub's catalog of other songs.  But if I find something else this tight, I will of course post it.

Thanks for checking it out.

-CS

Mumford & Sons - Mmmm...umford

Was recommended this little folk rock band from Britain a few months back.  I know they have been around, and I just hadn't yet put in enough time to listen to them nor write about them.  I find it somewhat surprising how often I am noticing them getting playing time.  I hear them outside of bars, inside of bars, at friends parties, at friends houses etc.  They are definitely making quite a splash, and the reason is rather simple to deduce.  They are good... very good.

MUMFORD & SONS








These guys apparently formed in December of 2007, and haven't looked back.  The group consists of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Country Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane; and they have put together quite a unique sound.  I think the biggest draw is Mumford's gravelly vocals that really lend some sincere anger and passion to his lyrics.  They tend to have a lot of classical literature influences, and intersperse lots of Shakespeare and Plato in their lyrics.  They became famous after dropping their EP Love Your Ground, which they played extensively in Ireland.  They then put together their debut album Sigh No More which was released in the UK and USA, and was critically acclaimed.  They are also currently working on a new album now that they have concluded their US tour.

If you haven't heard these guys before, definitely take a listen below.

-The Cave-
Probably their most popular of tracks at the moment, but I think you will find that if you listen to ALL of their tracks, you will notice that they bring a lot to the table beyond The Cave.  I do actually really really think highly of this song.  Quite good, and I love the banjo work on this tune.




-Thistle and Weeds-
This is probably my favorite tune, though it is a slow and pain-racked song.  I just really like how it builds upon itself slowly.




-Winter Winds-
This one is a bit more upbeat, and I just like the pacing and lyrics of this one.  Again solid banjo/mandolin work (assuming I am hearing that as a mandolin correctly).




-I Gave You All-
A strikingly beautiful song about love lost, and definitely another one of my favorites.




-Little Lion Man-
Another upbeat and awesome song.  Lots of solid guitar work here, and banjo work as well. I love the lyrics on this one.




That's all I will put up for now, and like I said if you haven't heard these guys, do yourself a favor.  The entire album is incredibly solid, no throw aways, nothing on there that isn't worth listening to.  It is actually one of the more complete albums I have heard in a while, and I was very impressed at how much play-ability it had.

As always, thanks for stopping in, and I hope you enjoy Mumford if you aren't already.

Thanks,

CS

Quick Hits - Where You Should Be

Came across a little gem while doing something centered around dubstep.  I was looking up BPM (beat per minute) categories for different genres of music, and came across a Wikipedia article that mentioned this guy Skream so, I threw a couple jams up on Spotify.  Turns out, this dude has one jam that was pretty damn sweet (and I am sure many more).  Have a listen below, apparently Skream is a big deal in the dubstep world.. which shows how much I know about it all.  This IS a dupstep beat, but it doesn't really reflect where dupstep has evolved to in its current state.  It used to refer to a specific BPM, and the way the base/drum track worked together.  So this is kind of a hybrid really between dubstep and something a little more downtempo breakbeat.  Like, if you took Pendulum and slowed them down.

At any rate, if you turn the base up a bit, this one should have the desired affect.

SKREAM - WHERE YOU SHOULD BE feat. SAM FRANK




I know dupstep can be hit or miss, as it sometimes is a tad too glitchy for most people's taste.  However, dupstep live shows are a powerful thing.  It is instant dance-tron, take my word for it.

Some good news on the Cincinnati front, Lotus comes to town in February to the Madison Theater!  Be sure to check them out if you like jam-band/electronic type stuff.

In the mean time, I have been working diligently on creating new sounds.  As you may understand, sounds do not equal songs.  However, they do equal the seeds that create songs.  SO, with that said, I might share some things I created just tonight here soon, and see what you all think.

Cheers,

-CS

Quick Hits - Hawaiiiiiiii

Many thanks to my brother for this little gem... have a listen, as it goes down quite smooth.

BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD - HAWAII (NIVA REMIX)




There are some really awesome moments in there... definitely check it out!

-CS

M83 - Big Bang Make Big Sound

My very kind roommate was nice enough to share a group with me the other day that has been on repeat over the last few weeks.  M83 is an absolutely incredible act from France, and their big instrumental sounds, hushed lyrics and lovely reverb has been gracing my car speakers for a while now.  I remember asking him who was playing when he put them on while we were having a few drinks before hitting the town.  I had kind of forgotten about it, but then it randomly popped back in my head.  I listened to a whole host of their tunes, and was absolutely enthralled.

M83







These guys have been around since 2001, and named themselves after a large spiraling galaxy out in the middle of space called Messier 83.  They formed in Antibes, France and have had some strong success in Europe.  They were finally turned worldwide in 2005, and haven't looked back since.  They're latest album "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" has had some significant success, and "Midnight City" has been receiving some significant air time in North America.

I was taken mostly by their dreamy sound, grainy drum tracks, and almost 80's style synth work.  They make a lot of incredible use of reverb and really some intense and beautiful tracks that you will no doubt hear below.  So without any further ado, take a listen, and let me know what you think.

-New Map-
This has a pretty heavy rock element to it, with some supporting electronic influences.  I think it is really paced well, and I love the vocals on this track.  It is a feel good song, and it sounds pretty sweet on some big expensive speakers.  Had to pull this in from Vimeo, as I couldn't find it on YouTube.




-OK Pal-
Another great track, and one that I think really has that 80s feel to it.  It is almost Tears for Fears-ish.  Love the synth work in here, and I think the chorus vocals are incredible.  Lots of great harmony.





-We Own The Sky-
Awesome track.  This is one of my favorites for sure.  The end is somewhat repetitive, but the harmonies continue to build, and they are great.




-Wait-
This is sort of a departure from the rest in that it is an acoustic work, and it has a very slow tempo.  There is no pretending it isn't a gorgeous track though.




-Reunion-
This is definitely one of my favorite tracks, and if you listen you will know why.  It is just an amazing song, and a feel good tune, with again some 80s-ish feel to it.  They really do a great job with harmonies...




-Midnight City-
This is my favorite of all of them I think.  I love the vocals, I think the overall soundscape is simply unique, and I again love the harmonies.  It just makes me want to party for some reason.. haha




Obviously there is more where that came from, as these guys are something else.  I am absolutely loving listening to them, and my hope is that it's new to some of you out there.

As always, let me know what you think, or throw me some suggestions on some groups that sound like M83, and I will of course check em out.

Thank you for stopping by.

-CS

Kings of Leon - Yes.. I Realize They Have Been Around A While

So.. for some reason I never really listened to Kings of Leon. I have no real reason for this, and honestly I can't think up a good excuse on short notice.. so.. deal.  These guys have been a favorite of my brother-in-law's for quite some time, but I just never got around to listening to them. (not cool of me.. ) haha

Well.. like any good Spotify user, I decided to throw some top tracks into my playlist.  Now, don't get me wrong, I had heard some of the songs before, I just think they resonated with me a little more this time around.  Maybe because I was paying attention.

KINGS OF LEON











Now again, I am not making excuses for myself, I simply must have had a filter up on these guys, and so yes this is old news (and probably out of "fashion" at this point).  However, this crew from Oklahoma has some really nice jams out that are well worth listening to, assuming you are as late to the party as I am.  Now, when I say late to the party, we are talking late to the party that started in 1999.  So yeah... that's late.  I will say though that they probably didn't really hit their stride until more recently (circa 2006 or so).

I have been told they have an incredible live show, and my guess would be that is inevitably true.  I figure if your band started in Nashville, then you probably have to be pretty damn good live.  There is tons of competition, and its not like they match the strong-arm genre.  I was specifically told that their show at Red Rocks was unreal.  So I am of course bummed I missed it.

So for a full family band... they are pretty doggone good.  They certainly smoke The Jonas Brothers or Hanson if that's what you were thinking.  They are three brothers and a cousin, and unfortunately they are currently on hiatus, or so it seems that way.  They ended up cancelling the remainder of their 2010 US tour, and finishing up their tour season in Australia.  I don't know this for sure, but my guess is that some people are built for that kind of road-work, and some people aren't.  Could be more involved than that, but I guess I'll never know.

Now for a few good songs to munch on.

-Pyro-
I absolutely love this song... Hands down my favorite right now, and one that I listen to with some regularity at the moment.  I love the really tight reverb on their guitar riffs, because it gives a light and airy sound to their top-end, and then the bass and baritone vocals really round it out.  Love the harmonies created in this one as well, and the keyboard work in the background (as it is kind of hard to hear but adds a ton of color).




-The End-
Another favorite at the moment.  And again you can hear that reverb on the guitar.  It is somewhat reminiscent of Coldplay in how they use it, but obviously a completely different sound.  Excellent song though.




-Closer-
 I really like the guitar work on this track..  It's repetitive in a way, but it is just a really intense and heartfelt sound.




-Sex Is On Fire-
I just like the title.........  Hah, no it's a great song.  And yes, I know we have all heard this one.




Those are my favorites at the moment, and would love some suggestions on some other songs (other than Use Somebody, because yes I have heard it).  Obviously Come Around Sundown  and  Only By The Night are both great albums.  So yeah... I've been a little lazy..  I found my four favorites that I listen to, and now I want all 2.7 of my readers to suggest a song of Kings' that isn't on this tiny, quickly produced list.

Thank you.

-CS

Modeselektor, Leila, Ital Tek, D'arcangelo, Djunya - Deep Downtempo Grooves

So I always like to bounce around from genre to genre as much as possible, and I wanted to highlight these guys, as I had just found them through some quality Pandora time.  I was over brewing some beer with some buddies, and a song came on a Pandora station we had playing in the background, and I wanted to know what it was.  Turns out it was Modeselektor, with a title called 'Edgar.'  I thought it was a pretty tasty jam, so I created a little Pandora station centered around it, and came across some pretty obscure but interesting stuff.  It is mostly electronic, and technically could be labeled as dubstep, but it isn't as intense, so it's probably a downtempo version of dubstep. (IDM/glitch)

MODESELEKTOR

I had heard of this group before, as I think they have some work that they did with Apparat, but I didn't know much about them and had not specifically heard their work before.  In catching 'Edgar' I think I found the only song of theirs that I legitimately like.  Now that isn't to say they don't have something else out there that might be worth listening to, but 'Edgar' was far and away my favorite.  They are a German group, which I think is where the Apparat connection came from, and they are mostly labeled as IDM/glitch in terms of their style.  I just really liked this song when I heard it, even though it can be pretty repetitive.  Either way, check it out!

-Edgar-




So what did this little diddy get me by putting it into Pandora?  Some of the jams you hear below are from exactly that.  You will again notice that this is actually some fairly dark, meaty, glitchy dupstep stuff.  I think the thing that I like about it all is how it sounds over the car speakers when I'm blasting down the highway.  So my guess is that this stuff won't resonate with most, but it could open some doors for others.

LEILA - Mollie

This is a pretty strange track, but as I said above, it sounded amazing when I was blasting it over the car speakers.  I like the composition of it, even though I know it isn't that spectacular in terms of its musicality.  See what you think..




ITAL TEK - Deep Pools

This is a really deep and dark track, with a tremendously slow tempo.  I was taken by some of the sounds they used in this track, but I will say I didn't like the little beep sound in the beginning, mostly because that is the sound that I hear when my phone is about to run out of battery.  No bueno.  I do however like how it tends to build on itself, even though it is repeating the same basic theme.  I also don't like the key change that happens in the middle.. was a bit over the top.





D'ARCANGELO -  H13

I think this track just sounds great.  I love the whole overall composition, the sounds he is using, and also his chord progressions.  Again, a slow tempo, but it sounds amazing when being blasted through some high-end speakers.




DJUNYA - Uprise

This is an incredibly dark tune, and one that almost sounds like it should have been on the soundtrack for the movie The Devil's Advocate.  It spends a lot of time in looped drum patterns, and some boring interludes, but the main thematic chorus is a great set of sounds.  It takes about 40 seconds to get into this version of it, and it spends a lot of time in a looped dubstep drum progression.  I don't know if many folks will like this one, but I thought it had some pretty cool parts.




So again, this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there is some cool stuff in there.  I figure the more you branch out, the more you have influencing your own musical decisions.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving, and keep warm now that the weather is going south on us :)

Thanks for stopping in.

-CS

Radiohead - Oldie But A Goodie (or Bestie?)

So I took a little hiatus for the month of October, as that seemed like the smart thing to do given the amount of stuff that needed to occur within one month.  Alas, I am back to business, promoting bands you have no doubt already heard of.  I wanted to do a little spot on Radiohead, mostly because they are probably my favorite of all time, and I have been cruising their latest album a lot lately.

RADIOHEAD

I don't think there is any other band on the planet that I have listened to more throughout my life.  Thom Yorke has wailed into my ear more than any other singer, and Jonny Greenwood has... well you get the picture.  I think the biggest thing about Radiohead is that they are ALWAYS good.  As I was telling a friend the other day, they may not always be perfect, but they are always good.  That is something that is amazing considering the careers these guys have had.  They have been around for what seems like an eternity.  They have released so many albums at this point, that I have a hard time keeping track.

I do however not lose track of any of my favorite tracks of theirs.  I have at least three or four from each album, which is again a testament to how talented Radiohead is.  Not to mention, they always seem to reinvent their sound with each new album.  It is still a dark yet satisfying retreat into Thom Yorke's psychoses, but somehow they change the way they approach each album as though it were a painting.  Everything feels tied together, as though there is an overall theme, and not just a random smattering of works.

Apparently they are on tour at the moment promoting their new album, which is by the way a great work.  They have again remained consistent... and I remain a huge fan.

So let's check out some of the favorites in no particular order.

-Wierd Fishes-

An absolutely haunting and beautiful tune that I have listened to maybe 5,000 times.  It never gets old... The harmonics, the eerie overlays, the tight guitar work, solid drums.. I just never seem to get sick of it.  The first verse "Your eyes... they turn me."  I for some reason am not only affected by the amazing key change at that point, but the thought of looking into someones eyes and it "turning" you... I don't know, I get a chill.  Anyhow, pay attention to the video as well.. pretty cool idea swapping in some Planet Earth footage!

-All I Need-
This song is a slow starter...  But the end of this song literally gives me chills every time I hear it.  This is again off of In Rainbows, which is truly an incredible album all the way around.  This song though has been my favorite off of the album, and I cannot get enough of it.  It somehow evokes some serious pensiveness every time I turn it on.  When the piano kicks in at the end, you will know what I mean.  Yup.. just got the chills.




-Let Down-
Again, slower tempo, and just a gorgeous piece of music.  This is off of the OK Computer album, and it was the song that really put me over the edge on Radiohead when I was in sixth grade.  I remember being on a ski trip to Michigan, which was a 10 hour trip mind you, and I listened to it on repeat for maybe half of the trip.  Not necessarily healthy, but it is just incredible.

-Paranoid Android-
Yeah.. I know.. No brainer.




-Electioneering-
I love this tune.  Total change of pace from their slower stuff, and just an overall very sweet jam..  This is also of course from OK Computer.







-Sit Down. Stand Up.-
I don't know that I could put my finger on this one.  It is just the right level of Radioheadesque eerie, and I love the deep piano lines.  It isn't the best song on the album by any stretch, but it is something else either way.




-Backdrifts-
Very cool soundscape going on here.  Not sure how they did this, but it is pretty incredible stuff.  Also a bit more electronic, which was at the time a little bit of a departure.  They seemed to beef up the electronic stuff in Hail to the Thief.




Now onto the new album..  It is called The King of Limbs, and it seems to have some old influences, and some things that they have never really tried before.  I have been incredibly impressed.  I would never say that Radiohead has any "filler" songs.  Or any throw aways.  I don't love every song, but I am getting there.

-Bloom-
This song is incredibly interesting, because they have this sort of off-beat/down-beat thing going on that I thought would bother me.  Alas, it doesn't bother me in the least, and instead I am drawn to Thom's vocals.  It's of course a slow paced song, but one that I have become quite fond of after listening to the album a couple times (ok.. 20 times).





-Codex-
This is another slow song, but I just really like the piano work, and again the vocals.

-Separator-
I like this understated track, and not sure what it is that does it for me, but my guess is the harmony in the chorus.  Just another example of the range that Radiohead has.




Overall.. I think you get the picture.. These guys are an incredible band, and though I know that everyone has heard of them, maybe you haven't had a chance to dive into the new album.  If you haven't... may I make a suggestion??

Listen to it a few times before you make a decision.  I found that it took me a couple times to find the little elements floating around in here that reminded me just how amazing these guys are.

On another note.  I will be making time for, and getting back into production.  As a great friend told me.. you have to make time for the things you love, or you will never do them.  Absolutely correct.

Until next time :)

-CS

Thrice's "Digital Sea" - Never Included It... Don't Know Why...

For some reason I never included Digital Sea when I wrote a small article of these guys a few months back.  Though Open Water and The Whaler are incredible songs, I seem to listen to Digital Sea way more.  It has absolutely GORGEOUS harmonies in it, and I think a very interesting set of lyrics as well.  As is with the water portion of the Alchemy album, this is a downtempo track with a lot of emotion injected into it.  These guys are usually a somewhat high-energy punk band.  So though this is a departure, I think it is a really beautiful song.  I won't keep you waiting any longer...

-Digital Sea-




That's all, just had to correct the omission.  Hope you enjoyed it :)

-CS

Ulrich Schnauss, Zoe Johnston, Andrew Bird - A Couple Quick Hits

I had some great suggestions passed onto me this week, and I wanted to share them in no particular order or fashion.  You will notice that they are all different genres, but I think they are all incredible work.  So without further ado.

ULRICH SCHNAUSS - Goodbye
My sister shot this tune over to me today, and it literally melted my face.  I have heard a lot of deep and sultry tracks before, but Schnauss literally knocks it out of the park here with something so multi-layered and harmonic...  It was like peeling back a sonic onion... unreal.  I feel like every time I have listened to this, I have come across a different harmonic chord.  Listen for yourself.. it's pretty epic.



If you have heard Ulrich's work before, tracks like Between Us and Them, or Wherever You Are then you are familiar with the sound.. but this one is just that much more involved.  Well... since I have mentioned them.. here ya go.

-Between Us and Them-




-Wherever You Are-




As you can no doubt tell, he has a very specific style, and it sounds like a lot of his elements are re-sampled in each song.  This sort of dreamy symphonic soundscape with bell accompaniment.  It's good stuff for zoning out for a while.

ZOE JOHNSTON - Alchemy
This is a total switch in gears, and I came across it while reviewing a new Above and Beyond album.  I have always loved their stuff.. I know its trance, but it works for me..  I became quite fond of this song because of a really beautiful key change that occurs in the chorus.  It gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it, and it was a bit of a head turner because that seldom happens.  Also Zoe Johnston has a hell of a voice... no two ways around that.  Enjoy.



This is off of the Group Therapy album.  If you have any interest in checking out any more of the songs on there, be sure to check that album out!


ANDREW BIRD - Imitosis
This one was suggested to me by Mr. A.K. who should be well known at this point, as he has shown up on three articles now.  What does that mean?  It means he has good music taste... at least in my view!  This Andew Bird fella is doing some really incredible work.  He has compelling lyrics, he is about as musically gifted as anyone I have seen in quite a while, and he sounds incredible live.  These are all very good things.  I was struck by Imitosis because I really like the violin loop he uses.  I also really like the lyrics and vocals as well.  It is somewhat folky, but also very energetic.  This is a guy I can definitely support in his quest for continued musical greatness.  Hope you like as much as I do.



-Oh No-
Another display of genius.. definitely give it a listen if you like Imitosis!  I love the use of whistling.. classic.




Hope you enjoyed, and as always thanks for stopping in!

-CS

Pretty Lights - Where Pretty Lasers and Pretty Music Meet

Derek Vincent Smith, otherwise known as Pretty Lights has been one of my favorite electronic musicians ever since I was introduced to him by my very good friend in Colorado many moons ago.  I have received a few amazing little videos from Mr. A.K. (the same genius who handed me Gramatik) and I wanted to share those with you as well as some of my favorites from back in the day.

PRETTY LIGHTS









Derek Vincent Smith hasn't been on the scene for that long, but he made a name for himself playing a bit for STS9, The Disco Biscuits, and many other Colorado hometown favorites.  He was a University of Colorado freshman dropout, who decided school was to take the backseat to his music career.  It turns out he made the right decision in this case.  He has since his departure from CU-Boulder become one of the premier electronic and remix artists of this decade.  He is well known for his flawless beats, and incredible taste in all things light.  His setups are incredible, and unfortunately I am only able to say this because I saw them on a video, and not live.

I have been incredibly impressed over the years with his seamless beats, and how well he has adapted an ear for remixing certain tracks.  The one Mr. A.K. sent to me was a remix of seven Led Zeppelin tracks that literally blew my mind.  I would never have thought I would like such a thing.. but it turns out I was wrong.  He also remixed Solar Sailor which was off of the soundtrack from Tron Legacy, which was solely created by Daft Punk (another favorite of mine).  He took what was already a great song, considering what it was for, and knocked it out of the park.  That's my take, you be the judge...

-Solar Sailor (Remix)-
This is a sort of hip-hop/dub-step rendition of Daft Punks song, and I just think it is really really tight.  The production value is extremely high, and I think it would be a hell of a thing to listen to live with all his crazy lights and lasers flashing in your face.




-Pretty Lights vs. Led Zeppelin-
This is just... awesome.  It is a really nice mixture of classic rock and hip-hop type beats.  I love his ability to use the down-beat on this.  It also does a nice job of showcasing how his performances come together.




-Summer's Thirst-
This song is off of his Taking Up Your Precious Time album, which was my entree into the Pretty Lights world.  I just really like the down-tempo aspect of it, and it has some very light and airy keys that I think provide a unique sound.  Somewhat repetitive, but I am a fan.




-Almost Familiar-
This is another favorite from Taking Up Your Precious Time.  Has some cool off-tempo work, and once again a solid hip-hop base, with some smooth electronic elements over the top.



-Finally Moving-
This too is from the Taking album, and is pretty much his staple track from that album.  This is a pretty classic hip-hop beat, and it has some vocals which never hurts!




-I Know The Truth-
This song is has a very strong dupstep element to it, and I can see a lot of people not being that interested in that.  However... if you have ever been to a dubstep show live, it will probably change your mind.  The video you will see with this one is a live performance of PL's from Bonaroo, and it looks like a hell of a lot of fun.  I would suggest if you get to see this guy live, and don't mind noodle-dancing with a bunch of hipsters, have at it.




-Time (Pink Floyd Remix)-
This is the last one for this particular article, but I felt it was important to include, because his name (Pretty Lights) was actually taken from a Pink Floyd song...  So with that said, I was interested to see what he would do with his originator's music.  Its an interesting and rather glitchy remix, but something I had to include nonetheless!




So if you are looking for more from Pretty Lights, I can either ask Mr. A.K. for his suggestions or you can just take a quick hour and listen to some of these tracks here above.

Though this genre may not be for everyone, I can definitely attest for how incredible this guys production value is, and how talented he is with his ear for remixing.  It's a lot harder than many would think; and though it isn't the same as playing an instrument, or singing, or some other God given talent, I would argue that having the knack for finding what works, and making it sound so good is indeed a gift.  Be that talent from God, on loan from God, or from some alien planet.  You have to admit, he does what he does very well.

Hope you enjoyed, and as always, comments welcomed!

-CS

Kings of Convenience & The Whitest Boy Alive - From Smooth to Soulful

When I was in college I had a real sincere interest in all things Kings of Convenience.  They had this soft, plush sound that was perfect for walking to class in the cold air.  I can't think of a band that I listened to more than Kings of Convenience throughout my entire college career.

KINGS OF CONVENIENCE









Kings are a Norwegian duo of the names Erlend Oye and Eirik Glambek Boe, and they have been gracing the scene since they were signed in 1999.  They are well known for their graceful and complex melodies that dance over top of soft and intricate guitar work.  Their album Riot on an Empty Street was by far my album of choice, but it isn't all these guys have to offer.  I must have listened to Riot about 50,000 times before it was probably lost in some hard-drive crash or something.  One of their albums Quiet is the New Loud was produced by Coldplay, and it went onto receive great acclaim.

I have so many favorites from these guys, so I will try and keep it to about four or five so we can then focus on Oye's side project The Whitest Boy Alive.

-Love is no Big Truth-
I absolutely love this little tune.  It is incredibly whimsical, and it makes incredible use of some banjo work near the end.  Definitely one of my favorites.




-Surprise Ice-
Interesting little ballad that has some really nice harmonies and guitar work.




-Know How-
Love this song.. I spent so much time trying to perfect this on guitar, and then realized it was too difficult to sing along to it while playing lol..




-Cayman Islands-
Beautiful guitar work, compelling lyrics.  I think it's a good choice..




-Misread-
You will notice these are all from Riot, and I think that is just fine.  This song is awesome.




I would be sure to check out their Quiet is the New Loud album (especially Failure, The Weight of My Words, I Don't Know What I Can Save You From, and Parallel Lines).  Also don't be afraid to check out  Declaration of Dependence.  I have yet to hear that one, but maybe I will write about it at some later date.

This leads us to our next stop... The Whitest Boy Alive.


This is a new an offshoot project of Erlend Oye, and it has a little bit more of a rock element to it.  My brother was able to pinpoint this little project, and I have been quite impressed with it so far.  It has some electronic elements to it, which is what it was intended for originally, but it ended up morphing into a rock project, which I think ended up being a good decision.

THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE









I am impressed by the blues and rock influences, and have been also impressed by some of the melodies these guys put together.  It is a mesh of rock and roll and Kings of Convenience, which is pretty amazing stuff.

I haven't really nailed down my favorites yet, but well give a few tracks a listen!

-Golden Cage-
This was the first piece my brother played for me, and I think it's a good indicator of what you are going to hear going forward.  Its a really solid song.




-Island-
I just think this is a really cool song.  I love the keyboard work, and bassline.  See what you think!





-Gravity-
Another solid and bluesy tune that I fell in love with immediately.  Hope you like!




Be sure to check out more from Rules, and also the album Dream.  They are both quite good.

I hope you liked, and let me know if you have any comments etc.  Would love to hear of some other bands that are similar!

Many thanks for stoppin' in.

-CS