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the national // sea of love + video

Inhale. The National is one of those serious bands. A great band no doubt, just no funnin’ around. Musically, they’re akin to a strong quality whiskey kept under lock and key. Only to siphoned from under the most dire circumstances. You have only to reference the Brooklyn-based band’s previous album High Violet to find this to be especially true. But in perfect contrast to the stone-faced rigidity the previous LP flaunted, the latest album Trouble Will Find Me (4AD) finally finds the guys taking a more subdued stance. Exhale.

Band member Aaron Devendorf describes their recent post-High Violet sound as, ” “ … more airy, less uptight and anxious. He sent me a lot of Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Dylan and David Bowie. And Bryce and I wanted a more relaxed and open sound too. We’d been getting deeper into the world of composed music in the last few years and developing more of an interest in classic songwriting.”

After the jump look, and listen to the song, Sea Of Love and experience the evolution of The National. Peace. Continue reading “the national // sea of love + video”

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keeping in touch: interview with meredith meyer of young unknowns

The artist becomes the muse.
The artist becomes the muse.

This is the inaugural interview for my new ‘Keeping In Touch’ series where I will be checking in on artists I’ve previously reviewed just to see what they’re up to. Recently I’ve had the pleasure of corresponding with Meredith Meyer of the uniquely talented band Young Unknowns. And from this exchange of words I came away a little intrigued, a bit infatuated and a whole lot of just amazed. This is a young woman on a mission: to bring a bit of beauty and inspiration into the world. And when it comes to music there is little she won’t reveal.

D. Durand: Hello Meredith, how are you?

Meredith Meyer: I’m pretty good these days.

D. Durand: Literally, what are you doing right now?

Meredith Meyer: I just finished my lazy Saturday morning ritual of having a cup of tea and reading. Right now I’m doing some research about exotic dancers throughout history. This morning I read about Margaretha Zelle, aka The Mata Hari. Did you know she studied to be a kindergarten teacher, but when she got a job and the headmaster flirted with her, she was fired? She also refused a blindfold and kept her eyes open when she was executed by the firing squad. I find that fascinating. She looked those bastards right in the eyes. I’d like to know what was going through her mind at that moment. Continue reading “keeping in touch: interview with meredith meyer of young unknowns”

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ac slater // angels with dirty basses

Deo gratias quod Dies Veneris est. Move sumpin’!

Its Friday the most reverent of days heralding (for most) the end of the work week. And in my mind it would be a travesty of seismic proportions to squandered it on bass-less music. Enter AC Slater and his sunny brand of mixology. After the jump crack open the cold fizzy sound of ‘Angels With Dirty Basses’ and know the book, chapter and verse of what it means to get down and get funky. So, turn it up and let the sound libation begin in earnest! Peace. Continue reading “ac slater // angels with dirty basses”