Music In My Head

Watch the world past me by

2009-03-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

The American Dollar - A Memory Stream (Yesh, 2008): video for "Anything You Synthesize"

A surreal look at how life passes us by, set to the music of the ambient instrumental band "The American Dollar". This is about as good as it gets both visually and acoustically.

http://www.onesize.nl/projects/anything-you-synthesize

This is why separatism is a bad idea

2009-02-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

Belleisle - Longstanding (Ships At Night, 2008). Some days you need angst filled music to soothe the soul, but other days a gentle lullaby is more appropriate. Belleisle nestles into your ears, softly telling stories of love and warmth with delicate voices and distant acoustic guitars. Beautiful.

http://www.myspace.com/belleislemontreal

I have Marfan's too

2009-02-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel (Kranky, 2008). Solo project from the frontman of Deerhunter, Bradford Cox. Has a very spacey, melancholy feel to it. It is ambient in genre, but really indescribable otherwise.

http://www.imeem.com/artists/atlas_sound/

The First Rule of Kus

2009-02-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

Jenocide - Slumber Party Mix (Unsigned, 2009). Saw this today when I was browsing through Facebook. Was especially intrigued since I plan to spend some time in Halifax again this summer, and am looking for bands to check out. This is rough on the edges, electro-trash type stuff. Raw, powerul and well, intriguing.

http://www.myspace.com/jenocidemusic

Nouvelle Vague - Bande a Part (Peacefrog, 2006). Coolest band I had never heard of. They play stripped down acoustic versions of 80's new wave tracks. What caught my attention was their cover of "The Killing Moon" by Echo & The Bunnymen. It's one of those tracks that I remeber hearing as a kid, but really appreciating as an adult. The decomposed cover version brings a new sense of desperation to the lyrics, especially "fate up against a will". I am still suprised as to how often this song captures how I am feeling about the world, even 25 years after its original release.

http://www.imeem.com/thetoeyy/music/ORds2-0W/nouvelle_vague_killing_moon/

I saw the sun today

2009-02-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Glitch Mob - Crush Mode Mix (Self-released, 2009). I can't stop listening to this. Its heavy soul thumping beats, catchy samples, hiphop style and dancey electronic all mixed together. You can't help but bounce your head. I have dreams about dropping tracks like this. Amazing.

http://theglitchmob.com/mp3/The_Glitch_Mob-Crush_Mode.mp3

Monosyllabic responses

2009-01-29T06:47:00.001-08:00

Trying a new thing this post, I am limiting my description to one sentence...perhaps brevity will have its benefits....

Aether - Artifacts (Exponential, 2008). Aka A.M. Architect, aka artist whose painting I know I almost bought once, this is simply one of the best instrumental beats albums I have heard in a long time.
http://www.myspace.com/aether216

Ane Brun - Sketches (Det Er Mine, 2008). Norweigan singer/songwriter acoustically covers her own album, Changes of Season, beautiful in its lyrical power, it gives a melancholic flavour to the Norweigan diaspora.
http://www.myspace.com/anebrun

Polar - In The End (Warm Communications,2008). Proof (along with Ane Brun above) that Norweigan music has moved well past A-Ha and death metal (both of which are still fun in their own ways), this promising electronic DJ has put out his first release in almost 6 years after suffering a hearing injury. This album has a great minimalist drum and bass feel, awash with reverb and synths. A comeback like this reminds me of "It's All Gone Pete Tong".

http://www.myspace.com/kpolar

Sound not required

2009-01-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

Nat Turner by Kyle Baker (Kyle Baker Publishing, 2005). Yes, this isn't music. But it is an astounding piece of art. Comic book artist Kyle Baker took a childhood fascination with slave revolutionary Nat Turner and turned it a serial graphic novel. There are very few words in this book, most of the story telling is done threw the visual medium. It is amazing how you can look into a characters eyes or hear their screams. Kyle Baker is able to capture the raw fearful emotion that many African-American slaves must have endured. In light of the inauguration of the first African-American president, this book reminds us of what atrocities humans are capable of and that we can indeed learn from our past mistakes.

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/07/comics_nat.html

I still don't know what Twitter is.

2009-01-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

Now this is an interesting post. I intended it to appear late in 2008, to be followed by a "Best of 2008" post. Instead, the lazies got a hold of me and I didn't have the gumption to post until now, when a friend, who is planning to meet some people he knows from Twitter, requested a list of interesting music he could bring to the discussion. This is a quick dissection of what has caught my attention in the past 6 weeks, I hope to bring you more soon.

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Thieves Like Us - Play Music (Fantasy Memory, 2008). This band completes the artistic trio (1940's book, 1970's novel and 2000's band) of this theme of three people up against the world. The best part is the music of this European threesome doesn't leave that bitter taste in your mouth. Well maybe not at first, until a bit of booze and bile creeps up, to add the edge that reminds you that it was a good night. It is a blend of electronic beats, Joy Division-eseque punk lyrics and Ibizia debauchery. Yes. Let's do this again soon.
http://www.myspace.com/thieveslikeus

Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds and a Sound (Expunged, 2008). These lads caught my attention with the news that they completed a West Coast USA tour completely without the use of powered vehicles . Not only this is impressive, but their music speaks to a spirit not seen in many music acts these days. It is quiet acoustic folk/pop, with a power to speak comparable to Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell. Can't wait to find more stuff by this band.
http://www.3hive.com/2008/11/blind_pilot.php

Stacey Epps - The Awakening (Jakarata, 2008). It is works like Ms Epps "The Awakening" that give me hope for artists like me stuck in professional schools. I think there are a lot of us, being polished away by the academic grind. Stacey Epps manages to pull off a law degree while rekindling the true soulful sound, a sound lost to Motown records tucked away in dusty record stores (some have dubbed her sound as progressive soul, to distinguish it as a new genre, but I don't think it fits). Her career took off with some collabs with MF Doom and Oh No, but as she has stepped into her own, we can see what real talent she has. This is just a beautiful voice, reminding us about love and humanity. Highly, highly recommended.
http://www.myspace.com/stacyepps
http://stacyepps.wordpress.com/

Wax poetic - Swing Swing EP (NuBlu, 2008). Would you believe that Norah Jones is the daughter of sitar legend Ravi Shankar? Would you also believe that Norah was a founding member of Wax Poetic, a jam collective that combined world influenced tonality, haunting vocals and strong rhythms? "Angels", from their eponymous debut, is still one of the songs that changed how I looked at music. Such a diversity of sound, that has evolved, stayed fresh and is always fun to listen too.
http://www.myspace.com/waxpoetic

Live through this.

2008-11-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

1. Passion Pit - Chunk of Change EP (French Kiss, 2008). This band is currently learning what it means to be a media phenomen. A gig with MTV at a music festival has propelled these Cambridge, Mass. lads to fame, with furthermentions in Rolling Stones and buzz on the blogs to bolster them. Funny thing is that they have barely been at it a year. You might like this if you are into MGMT or Bloc Party. Also cool is how their big single "Sleepyhead" is the name of my bro's musical project.
http://www.imeem.com/myoldkentuckyblog/playlist/E2PBFdYS/passion_pit_chunk_of_change_ep_music_playlist/

2. MIA and AR Rahman - Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack (N.E.E.T, 2008). This is from a new movie that explores the American Idol type phenomena in India. Rahman is the equivalent of a modern Indian renaissance man and has been heavily involved in film scores, classical music and even Indian politics. Both Tamil, MIA and Rahman combine to give this soundtrack a pulsating, distinctly Eastern feel, with enough modern influences to keep the kids interested but with enough of the old stuff to avoid the parental "what is that awful music?".
http://www.imeem.com/slumdogmillionaire/playlist/P3X-5CvU/slumdog_millionaire_music_playlist/

3. Sin Fang Bous - Clangour (Morr Music, 2009). Unfortunately, the little island of Iceland is going through a rough time, being hit hard by the recent financial crisis. On the flip side, this country can still take pride in its beautiful landscapes and its precious artistic scene. Sin Fang Bous stems from the Broken Social Scene type band called Seabear (also worth checking out if you like that style). SFB is indie rock, with a twist of glitch and a little jazz. It is a fun sound, an upbeat attitude for downbeat time. New album in the new year.
http://www.myspace.com/sinfangbous

When has science sent a man to the moon?

2008-11-11T20:50:00.001-08:00

1. El Guincho - . What caught my attention here was the genre label "Tropical". Now what is "Tropical" music I had to ask. I am glad I did. My description is this: electronic, funk, brazillian and major chords all mixed together to make, get this, happy music! That's so different it is actually cool. My recommendation for the week, as the grey fall weather settles in. Also, he will be playing the ElMo in Toronto at the end of November, I probably can't make it, if anyone does, let me know how the show is.

http://www.myspace.com/elguincho

2. Ikonika - Millie EP (Hyperdub, 2008) . Couldn't find too much about this female dubstep/grime artist. She is on the Hyperdub label, which helped to pioneer the dupstep scene in London UK. Heard rumours that she is starting her own label too. Her sound is mellow, two-steppy with the addition of some bleeps and eletronic samples that makes her sound stand apart from her label mates. This is someone that has taken a new genre in a completely different direction, so it will be worth following her and seeing what she does next.

http://www.myspace.com/ikonika

3. Gagle - Hidden Music Value (Columbia,2008). I'll be honest, I have no idea what they are saying. I don't know Japanese. But what I do know is that these chill Dj Krush style beats and the smooth, rhythmic rhymes all combine to some of the nicest aesthetic hip-hop I have heard in awhile. I bet the lyrics are pretty good too.

http://www.imeem.com/artists/gagle/

Quirky is a grandmother who flips the bird

2008-11-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

1. Track N Field - Marathon (Nine2Five, 2007). Pioneers of the Finnish (yes, that's right) electronic music scene. This is smooth trip hop at its' best. The upright bass is so clear you can hear the strings flapping and the Rhodes is just rolling off your speakers on top of it. Incredible. Doesn't really fit any genre either, there is some hip-hop, house, downtempo and lounge. Enjoy with a glass of merlot and some blue cheese.

Oh and if you find the full length double album, let me know, its rarer than the steak at a Bush family BBQ.

http://www.myspace.com/tracknfieldmarathon

2. Meaghan Smith - The Crickets Orchestra EP (Sire/Warner, 2008). Always got give props to Halifax artists. Honestly, they are all really good. Something about that city makes great music. Currently on tour with Ron Sexsmith, Ms Smith has a really great voice and strong songwriting. I love the layering in her songs; Mellotron, horns and even a little record scratching from your mom's favourite DJ, Kid Kola. This goes best with a gray day and a cup of tea.

http://www.meaghansmith.com/

3. Beast - Beast(Pheromone, 2008). This caught my attention: "Portishead meets Rage Against the Machine". What? Really? Is that possible? My answer is "not in this case", but that doesn't mean that this Montreal duo hasn't really pushed at some musical boundaries. Their self-described "trip-rock" label is certainly fitting. Singer Betty Bonifassi has a powerful voice, full of soul and glitter. Combined with producer/electronic musician Jean-Phi Goncalves' trippy beats, the result is a sound that can only really be described as "cool". Martini's for this one.

http://www.myspace.com/beastsound

Automatic Transmission

2008-11-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

As I begin to prepare for finals, my interest in getting new music ramps up. Expect many posts in the coming weeks.

1. London Sinfonietta - Warp Works and 20th century masters. (Warp, 2006). Many artists on the Warp label could be considered avant-garde; constantly pushing the boundaries of what is comfortable in art. By reinterpertating the electronic sound of these artists with classical instruments and by pairing them with other avant-garde composers leads to an interesting exploration of musical boundaries and the bluriness of genres.
http://www.warprecords.com/londonsinfonietta/

2. Kid Loco - Discover Party Animals & Disco Biscuits. (PIAS, 2008). I was introduced to this artist by my friend Emily and the more I have discovered about his music, the more impressed I am. The preview of his new album revealed a diverse musical range, from funk to downtempo. Something about his sound is attractive, but I haven't quite found the words to describe it. Highly recommended
http://www.kidloco.com/

3. TV On The Radio - Dear Science (Interscope, 2008). Have heard rumbles about this band, but never got around to checking them out until now. I like how they list one of their influences as "Acappella". The songs on this ablum seem to have the common element of a solid rhythm section, while the rest of band experiments with psychedelic rock, funk and soul, just to a name a few. It is a nice suprise that it works, although it is sometimes hard to really gauge what this band is trying to do as a result. Best not to think about it too hard and enjoy.
http://www.myspace.com/tvotr

Why I did this blog

2008-10-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

I love music, and even more so, I love finding new music. Music that is off the mainstream radar, music that is on its way to being big and music that people have never heard of. Someone once told me that I have very eclectic taste in music and I don't think I can argue with that.

As a consequence of my love of sharing music, many people ask me to suggest new tunes for their playlists and iPods. Sometimes word of mouth works, but I figured hey, why not give my friends a place where they can check up on what I think is interesting.

I get my music info from many places and am continuing to discover new sources. If you have a blog, magazine, radio show or website that you think might be a good source, I would love to hear about it.

Enjoy the blog!

This week....the first post...you only get to make one first impression

2008-10-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ah.... the first post, it is a tough one, but I think I will just keep short and simple. This is music that has come to my attention over the past week or so that I think you might enjoy....

1. The Virgins - EP (2008): postpunk from NYC, sounds familiar enough to be comfortable, but not overly so to be boring. They may hit it big with their upcoming CD release, so keep an eye and ear out for them. http://www.myspace.com/thevirginsnyc

2. Winter Gloves - About a Girl (2008): From Montreal, with that great indie rock look and had a sound that had the same effect as a blow dryer set on "Hi". The energy of their live show doesn't really come across in their recorded works, but it is still good, solid rock music. http://paperbagrecords.com/news/winter-gloves-about-a-girl-out-now

3. One Day As A Lion - EP (2008): Do you ever miss Rage Against The Machine?? I do...Audioslave didn't quite cut it. Zach De La Rocha returns, just as angry as ever and he still has something to say. His name is taken off a famous graf tag "It is better to live one day as a lion, than a thousand years as a lamb".
Even better, RATM is still stirring the pot, making some appearances at Republican events: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/soundboard/2008/09/i-regret-not-ma.html
http://hypem.com/artist/one+day+as+a+lion

4. Michna - Magic Monday (2008): Apparently this guy was quietly working at a big Brooklyn record store, while putting out some of the best hiphop-electro blends out there. Highly recommended.
http://www.myspace.com/eggfooyoung

5. Madlib - Dil Whithers EP (2008): Volume 6 in the Beatkonductor series (I recall a breaks DJ who went by this moniker years ago. I always wondered if there was a connection). The album title is probably a reference to J Dilla. It is a great mix of the soulful Detroit sound with the classic Madlib hip-hop twist. I have been listening to a lot of motown classics lately and this album really highlights some of the motifs that made it such a powerful genre.
http://www.imeem.com/rbgee727/playlist/qEDJSiUr/madlib_beat_konducta_vol5_dil_cosby_suite_2008_music_p/