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I know talking about the weather can be a crutch, but I'm cold! Everyone around me is talking about how much they enjoy Fall, how its their favorite. That wistful look in their eyes that will last well into the Holiday rush. But I'm cold! I'm not ready. Bring back the sun. I thought Postal Service said we could swim any day in November. Of course, the tickle in the back of my throat isn't helping much. It might have been quick, but I believe I caught that cold. I'll show it.
Anyway, we were lucky to see some great shows this past week, maybe making top billing was These United States who not only sent us into a frenzy at WFPK's Live Lunch, but then killed it at Skull Alley later that night. If they keep this pace up of new, good music, we're going to be strapped for space on the bandwagon come these next few years.
Speaking of new, good music:
Freelance Whales - Generator: First Floor
It takes a bit to kick in, but when the banjo finally hits, everything sounds perfect. Not just the song, but the recording as well. The picture looks like there are more than a handful of band members, which is exciting to think this could be pulled off on stage. It’s complex and simple all in one, and in under three minutes is one of the best songs I’ve heard all year. One of those songs I expect I’ll hear a few years from now and remember the exact moment.
Vampire Weekend - Horchata
I was never able to jump on the wagon for these fella’s during their first go-round, but I’ve no problem being late to the party after this track, the first taste from their forthcoming Contra. The hook gets into my head and for the rest of the day I’m singing about a drink I had never heard of before. Well done fellas.
Rose Elinor Dougall - Fallen Over
This former member of the Pipettes has already given a few singles in the past year, but this one might be the one to get her the attention, and eventual outshine, apart from her previous gig. It plays on the New Soul sound just slightly, but the driving bass keeps it interesting as it slams into the chorus. I’ll be ready for a full length as soon as she gives it.
Janelle Monae - Come Alive
The Andre 3000 protégée lives up to the hype from her Gammy nominated debut EP with this toss off to Kia (the car people – who have a website set up with some decently notable indie stars cooperating.) She’s singing about “a schizo running wild” and plays the part to a T. When the 1:28 minute mark hits, Monae goes into a scream-sing that reminds me of some of the wilder Ike & Tina moments, but with a Coasters slant ala "Down In Mexico". Definitely worthy of your Halloween mix.
Beat Radio - Sunday Matinee
Very much the opposite end of things compared to Janelle. This is pure, sweet indie-pop in the simplest form. If it had been 2003, this would have been playing in every annoying teen sitcom on cable, but now, separated by time, it shows how a good song is a good song. “you’re the sweetheart of the rodeo, the queen of the all ages show.”
CFCF - The Explorers
Time for this week’s gratuitous remix. I’m more interested in the story behind Sally Shapiro, who did the remixing, than the song itself (not that its all bad. Actually compared to what comes later in the show, this is pretty decent.) Sally is the Swedish artist who doesn’t go under her real name, never gives interviews, and has never performed live. It an age of all access to the musician, its nice that some mystery still exists in this world.
Spiral Stairs - True Love
This is the solo project from Scott Kannberg of Pavement fame (who, as I’m sure you’ve heard, have reunited for a tour). So far, I’ve loved everything I’ve heard from it. True Love feels like it sneaks in some swamp rock, and while they lyrics are preaching true love, the guitars wouldn’t be out of place in the movie From Dusk Till Dawn or the opening dance sequence of Planet Terror.
Black Whales - Young Blood
Based off of the Mt. Fuji label in Washington, Black Whales made a big splash at Bumbershoot earlier this year. The music is pleasant enough and with some decent placement, could rise to meet mass awareness. We’ll see…
Of Montreal - Brush Brush Brush
Awesome. The great Nick Jr. show Yo Gabba Gabba, who frequently brings on some of the coolest indie rockers to help teach and sing, is putting out a soundtrack. Expect to see some nice names on there, including this gem, though parents might want to question Kevin Barne’s own hygiene once they see the now infamous pictures of him performing mostly nude on a white horse.
The Cinematics - Love & Terror
Musically, it fits well right up against both the Spiral Stairs song and Janelle Monae. Maybe its indie-world getting ready for their own Halloween bash. Either way, I’m having a ton of fun with it.
Phoenix - Love Like Summer (Animal Collective Remix)
I mentioned it in the show, but I’m pretty sure when the blog kids opened their inbox to discover that Animal Collective had remixed Phoenix, it really didn’t matter what it sounded like. And then the even bigger news came that there would be a full disc released of remixes from the entire Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix album, probably the most tinkered disc this year.
The Sweet Serenades - On My Way
One of my favorite new finds. The Swedish duo had us dancing with the well thought out Mona Lee a few weeks ago, and now this latest taste from their Balcony Cigarettes disc, available previously only through import, but finally maiking it stateside after the first of the year. GRAB THIS ONE!
Molina & Johnson - Twenty Cycles To The Ground
The match up of the dude from Magnolia Electric Company and the dude from Centro-Matic who met after a show in 2007, quickly recorded thisand then set on it until now. The first song is the feeling of the coming colder, darker days. Put on your big coat, go for a walk under a grey sky, and have this soundtracking through your ear buds.
Memory Tapes - Green Knight
Its hard to keep up with all that Dayve Hawk is doing, having four monikers to watch over. The latest under this one plays like an unsure ending; a piano line that feels lost until an 80’s light-funk guitar tries to show it the way. I know it sounds weird, but that’s not uncommon for Tapes.
Miike Snow - Black & Blue (Tiga Remix)
Remember earlier when I alluded to a much more unnecessary remix? Well ladies and gents, you’ve arrived. I liked Miike Snow’s album, and sure it’s a prime candidate for remixing, but this is just absurd. Probably works on a dance floor much better, but I wouldn’t take it past the doors.
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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?
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