Lately I've been listening to a genre I never really had any interest in before this year: Indie-Electronica.Now, I have to qualify this by stating that most of this genre is completely and hideously awful and I'm amazed that people still buy and listen to half of it. Unfortunately, with the advent of affordable [music recording, mixing, and editing] technology, every half-emo-scene-kid with a huge chunk of time on their hands and no discernable talent can foist his or her horrendous "poetry" on the world, complete with pre-set loops and way too much auto-tune. However, occasionally one does come across something worth mentioning in this catagory (see my entry on "Owl City" and please go look up LA's dynamic duo "The Bird and The Bee"), and that is my pick today:
Swimming With Dolphins
This duo has some seriously catchy, un-self-consciously original electronic happiness going on here. They do what they do really well and make it fun to dance to in the bargain. A listen through "Everything's a Miracle" is certainly well worth your time.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
A genre I don't normally cover.
Ok, so you guys know that I don't usually deal in generic pop-rock. However, I just can't stop listening to these guys and I wanted to share.
The Jim Ivins Band
They successfully combine their "down-home", folky roots (they're from Richmond, VA) with some great power-pop to create truly enjoyable tracks. They're small...but definitely have the potential to go somewhere HUGE.
The Jim Ivins Band
They successfully combine their "down-home", folky roots (they're from Richmond, VA) with some great power-pop to create truly enjoyable tracks. They're small...but definitely have the potential to go somewhere HUGE.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wow, life comes at ya fast...
It's been one insane week here, and it's not over yet...mostly because the weather is hovering closer to 90 degrees than anything else lately in LA. It's a strange feeling. It feels like it should be May or June. Wearing shorts in January is just not right. At any rate, on to the music.
Andy Zipf
This guy is actually more famous than you would think. He's based out of DC, but his music has garnered attention from some of the more famous American publications and news media broadcasts. He sounds a bit like Amos Lee, at least in the overall approachability of the sound he creates, but he is more diverse and honestly, I think he's more talented. I could see his music being used on soundtracks very easily, but it's also the kind of melodic folky-indie-rock that I'd pop into my CD player when it's a gray day and I wanted something happy that wouldn't distract from the overall melancholy of the clouds. Listen to "Find You". It's catchier than even I would care to admit.
Andy Zipf
This guy is actually more famous than you would think. He's based out of DC, but his music has garnered attention from some of the more famous American publications and news media broadcasts. He sounds a bit like Amos Lee, at least in the overall approachability of the sound he creates, but he is more diverse and honestly, I think he's more talented. I could see his music being used on soundtracks very easily, but it's also the kind of melodic folky-indie-rock that I'd pop into my CD player when it's a gray day and I wanted something happy that wouldn't distract from the overall melancholy of the clouds. Listen to "Find You". It's catchier than even I would care to admit.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Oh, to be a Portlander!
I love the Portland music scene; nowhere else in the world will you find so many people going about their regular lives that just happen to play incredible music in their downtime. They do it because they love it, and it makes Portland one of the best cities to discover new, REALLY talented bands and artists in. Talent doesn’t flock here, like in so many other cities. It is born here.
On that note, take a listen to
Canoe
Their beautiful, simply-woven melodic folk stories are an absolute joy to listen to no matter what kind of mood you’re in (well, unless you’re really angsty…they’re not so great for that.). In a coffee shop, on your Ipod, or drifting gently down through the speakers in a small boutique on NW 23rd, Canoe is perfect for nearly any occasion, and leaves you longing for a simpler, more child-like existence.
On that note, take a listen to
Canoe
Their beautiful, simply-woven melodic folk stories are an absolute joy to listen to no matter what kind of mood you’re in (well, unless you’re really angsty…they’re not so great for that.). In a coffee shop, on your Ipod, or drifting gently down through the speakers in a small boutique on NW 23rd, Canoe is perfect for nearly any occasion, and leaves you longing for a simpler, more child-like existence.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Picky can be good.
I'm very picky when it comes to new talent. Sometimes, it takes me weeks of searching to find something I think is worth mentioning (despite the absolute saturation of the market with up-and-coming "talent"). Here is a band I am truly surprised I didn't stumble across earlier:
Kinch
Kinch is the kind of band that is poised right on the brink of something fantastic, and so far, haven’t garnered too much major-label attention. They’re obviously well-managed and well-promoted, and seem to have a true sense of where they’ve been and where they’re going. They’ve played with bands like The Format and Dear and the Headlights, and are currently touring, as well as performing at SXSW this year. I feel as if they've amassed all the credentials, and are just lacking the catalyst that’s going to push them onto the main stage of indie bands. Their sound is honed and polished, appealing while still being edgy enough to be different, and with a soothing vintage vibe thrown in the mix. In other words, this is a band that has way too much going for them to be ignored by the majors much longer. They are definitely my pick for the group that is going to be snatched by a major label within the next 6 months.
Kinch
Kinch is the kind of band that is poised right on the brink of something fantastic, and so far, haven’t garnered too much major-label attention. They’re obviously well-managed and well-promoted, and seem to have a true sense of where they’ve been and where they’re going. They’ve played with bands like The Format and Dear and the Headlights, and are currently touring, as well as performing at SXSW this year. I feel as if they've amassed all the credentials, and are just lacking the catalyst that’s going to push them onto the main stage of indie bands. Their sound is honed and polished, appealing while still being edgy enough to be different, and with a soothing vintage vibe thrown in the mix. In other words, this is a band that has way too much going for them to be ignored by the majors much longer. They are definitely my pick for the group that is going to be snatched by a major label within the next 6 months.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sorry for the prolonged silence...
It is officially the new year. Wow. 2009 already? It will take me at least until March to stop writing '08 on everything. I've been busy, which is why I haven't posted in a while...but I think I've found a band you all might like.
The Foxglove Hunt
This duo produces wonderfully trance-y, ambient new-wave pop. It always reminds me of great European club mixes from the late 80's. What could possibly be better than that? Plus, these slightly-nerdy guys have the actual musical chops to make it. They've taken something kitsch and made it really cool. They're playing with the likes of Dear and The Headlights (if you haven't heard them, you're way behind the times, on top of missing out) and are garnering some real recognition. Keep one eye on them, they just might surprise you.
The Foxglove Hunt
This duo produces wonderfully trance-y, ambient new-wave pop. It always reminds me of great European club mixes from the late 80's. What could possibly be better than that? Plus, these slightly-nerdy guys have the actual musical chops to make it. They've taken something kitsch and made it really cool. They're playing with the likes of Dear and The Headlights (if you haven't heard them, you're way behind the times, on top of missing out) and are garnering some real recognition. Keep one eye on them, they just might surprise you.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)