Posted on

Ravens & Chimes // Night

I just found a total heart breaker of an album, and a clear shoe-in for one of the best albums of 2012.  You’re apt to return to this collection of songs like the migratory geese revisiting the north lands of one’s thawing heart. And if the songs, “Night” and “Carousel” aren’t evidence enough of the band’s resounding beauty and tender trap fragility, then I implore you to warm your ethereal soul over the smoldering coals of the whole album. Lead vocalist Asher Lack delivers lyrics like the steady fall of spring rain; slowly eroding your heart to pieces. And then there is the soft crooning of Rebecca Rossi providing those soft delicate undercurrents of moody poetry. This is a band whose music ebbs and flows like small gifts of illuminating moonlight, but at times the music swells into orchestral waves of shattered sunspots leaving your breath caught in a net of forlorn beauty, oh how it captivates. You can gain this bit of gold and magic at Amazon and likewise on iTunes. Peace. Continue reading “Ravens & Chimes // Night”

Posted on

fun // we are young (ft. janelle monáe)

Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost are the NYC-based band Fun, and these guys are so much more they just a rollicking good time. And with their latest album Some Nights, we find the trio in fine music-making form doing what they do best; shredding your heart into bloody red ribbons. From the opening Freddie Mercury influenced opening “Some Nights Intro,” (by the way Nate Ruess’ vocals are sexier than a Mae West innuendo rolled in crystallized organic honey) to the closing song “Stars” you know that this album is certified blood, sweat and tears. Fuck the gold and platinum standards, this one throws illegal punches into your kidneys, and at moments leaves your pillow tear-stained. And then there is the crazy good (understatement) song “We Are Young (Ft. Janelle Monáe) and without a doubt this is one of those songs that’ll not only stick to your ribs, but prepare to have to this one smeared all over your love muscle too. Take that however you want to. Oh by the way you can stream the entire Some Nights LP on the band’s website at ournameisfun.com. One more reason to like this band, their label is co-founder John (Visionary) Janick’s very own Fueled By Ramen. Very, very badass. Peace.  Continue reading “fun // we are young (ft. janelle monáe)”

Posted on

Spanish Prisoners // Know No Violence (Video)

Check out the Jono Chanin directed video for Spanish Prisoners’ first single “Know No Violence,” from their Gold Fools album. The video has all the snowy goodness of the white winter season, plus a delusional amnesiac hipster chick. Yes, good stuff. I really love this song, so much so that I’ve provided the lyrics so you too can all sing along. I am really too nice to you guys. Peace.

Continue reading “Spanish Prisoners // Know No Violence (Video)”

Posted on

Snowden // Between The Rent And Me

In 2oo3, a lone would be apprentice of music-making (Jordan Jeffares) sat in his chambre à coucher constructing and conjuring songs from his frenetic mind, (think Dumbledore using a Legilimency spell to extract memories, yep I’m a HP geek too). The results eventually manifested what we know of today as the four-piece band Snowden. Several EPs followed: Snowden EP (2005), Black Eyes 7″ (2005), Licorice EP (2005), Fuel Of The Celebration (2007), and Slow Soft Syrup (2010). And yes, there was the counter-culture indie music scene favorite Anti-Anti in 2006. Jordan Jeffares, Chandler Rentz, Corinne Lee and David Payne are the real deal, and there is the most excellent scuttlebutt, that Snowden will return to the airwaves with release of a new album via (Kings of Leon) Serpents & Snakes imprint. Me, excited! Peace. Continue reading “Snowden // Between The Rent And Me”

Posted on

Sabotoge // Beastie Boys (Clockwork 2012 Bootleg) Remix

Pulling away from the pack of up and coming DJ/Producers is City of Angels native Clockwork (aka Henry Steinway). And when one deigns to approach a classic like the Beastie Boys‘ “Sabotoge” you better go big or stay the hell home. Well, Clockwork chose the former and transforms a classic into an off-planet recreation equipped with enough high energy propulsion to propel listeners to the outer reaches of the universe between two ears. And because he’s cool peeps (and he recently turned the big 2-1) Clockwork is giving the remixed Sabotoge away, just visit his www.facebook.com/clockworkmusic. Enjoy and let your backbone slip. Peace. Continue reading “Sabotoge // Beastie Boys (Clockwork 2012 Bootleg) Remix”

Posted on

trixie whitley // a thousand thieves (official video)

I found my new ‘Rocky’ song and it’s safe and secure, and on constant repeat in my heart. By the way, a Rocky-song is a song which taps into your inner underdog, and it is 100% pure motivation to boot (haters beware). The song “A Thousand Thieves,” which is the new single by the Belgian-born, mutli-talented Brooklyn-based Trixie Whitley. Check out the must see Matthu Placek-directed video. Watching the video is like witnessing the Winged Victory of Samothrace come to life. Hell, if Red Bull gives you wings, this song will definitely give you warp speed inducing rocket thrusters. Peace. Continue reading “trixie whitley // a thousand thieves (official video)”

Posted on

This Old Ghost – Island Of Violent Lovers

After reading the tag line on This Old Ghost‘s Twitter page I believe they do themselves a disservice by proclaiming the bands they sound like. After listening to their EP on bandcamp I disagree with them wholeheartedly. That’s not to say I don’t like the music, I do, a lot. Yes, there are influences from a specific musical spectrum, but know this Ryan, Ian , Karri, Rob, Brendan, own your sound and find ways to distinguish yourselves from the crowd. All in all, the Island of Violent Lovers EP is a very comfortable sweater you’ll likely grow more attached to after repeated listens. And I most assuredly have a sweater fetish. Peace.

Posted on

nicolas jaar // john the revelator

Often enough house music is too formulaic and predictable. Not so with Nicolas Jaar, and for that reason alone he is worth listening to. Mr. Jaar isn’t afraid to push the envelope and infuse his style of house music with various world influences. John the Revelator isn’t for the typical house music purist, whatever the hell that means. But it is for anyone who doesn’t like their music pre-packaged and over processed. So, light a candle, have a glass of whatever elixir suits your fancy, and simply chill. Also, check out Nicolas Jaar’s label Clown & Sunset on Facebook for more exemplar musical fare. Peace. Continue reading “nicolas jaar // john the revelator”