Tag: Mp3s
Finland's Lemonator has to be one of the saddest pop bands I've ever heard. Even when the music is lush and beautiful, the sentiment is still dark dark dark. The song I've posted today takes it to the melodramatic extreme and I get the feeling that they're not just talking metaphors. The best thing about the song is the way that it builds slowly throughout, always adding an extra little something with each new verse until the apex of the guitar solo. It starts out oh so beautifully with a doubled melodic lead, but quickly turns quickly turns ugly with dirty string bends and blues licks. The pause before that final chorus marks the climax of the piece and the coda of the final chorus vamps just long enough for recovery. Now that's how you write a pop song!
Lemonator - Would you die for me?
Few things are nicer on a Friday morning than having the day's mp3 post already written. Thank you Nancy Baym!
Caesars (as they're known in the US) have gained a lot of notoriety recently for their ubiquity in ads, especially "Jerk it out"'s role as the invisible music playing in those dancing silhouettes' iPods, but it may come as news to some that they've been producing irresistible pop nuggets for years under multiple names including Caesar's Palace and The Twelve Caesars. Here's a number from their 1998 record "Youth is wasted on the young" that showcases the more classic garage elements of their sound, including an organ riff right out of ? and the Mysterians' "96 Tears". The lyrics are cheerful Swedish cynicism at its best: "I'm gonna kick you out/let the sunshine in." If you're planning on dumping your not-so-loved one soon, put this song on repeat.
Caesars - (I'm gonna) Kick you out
C.Aarmé really upped the ante with their new album "Vita". Not only is it fiercer, more obnoxious, more potty-mouthed and far more irreverent, it's also catchier, more melodic and much more musically adept then their debut. I've already extensively discussed "We are the world" (possibly one of the greatest songs ever written) and the first single "Golden retreiver" was posted awhile ago at myspace, so here's the new song "M.P.P.". You more astute readers out there might find that acronym slightly familiar as it's awfully similar to M.P.TP, one of the many fine artists on "Reader's companion volume two". Well, there's a good reason for that, but I'll let you draw your own conclusions. Here's another secret: "Vita" is one of the best albums of 2006. Psst... spread the word.
C.Aarmé - M.P.P.
Electropop with big house beats is oh-so-hot right now and I'm really not feeling it at all. It's the kind of music that's tailor-made for the dancefloor, not active listening at home. Likewise, it's also very focused on the single, not the album. There's been quite a lot of huge hype tracks, but very few of the artists have been able to follow up with satisfying full-length albums. No surprise really - that's the way this sort of stuff has always been. Proper songwriting skills aren't necessary to heat up the dancefloor. Of course there are exceptions (aren't there always?). Firefox AK is easily my favorite, but after spending a couple weeks with Otur's new album "Pepperbox hill", I can recommend her as well. The record suffers a bit for being a touch too long, but there's enough genuinely good songwriting to make up for it. The song I've posted today is surely just as strong as the first two singles and there's more where that came from. Now let's just wait and see if Otur's (aka Emma Bates) old bandmates Christina Roos and Hanna Göransson from Light Bulb Project will fair as well with the new Cat5 album.
Otur - Travels right through
The debut album "Fell in love with tanks & satellites" from Marvins Revolt reminds me a bit of Muse's first record "Showbiz". It's disjointed and even a bit amateurish at times, but it's also ambitious and quite promising. But instead of trying to mash together "Bends"-era Radiohead with Nirvana, Marvins Revolt tries their damnest to make Interpol-style post-punk work with big, noisy guitar-rock ala Chavez. Sometimes they do okay, especially when they rely on the latter rather than the former like on the track I've posted today, but a lot of the time it just doesn't quite click. Still, like I said, the potential is there. Muse figured it out and delivered a stunner for their sophomore album, so it's certainly possible that Marvins Revolt could do the same. Keep an eye on 'em.
Marvins Revolt - Mouth blood
After a week of beautiful sunshine, we're now back to the typical rainy doom & gloom here in Washington State. It's quite fitting then that today's mp3 comes from Viktor Sjöberg off his debut solo album "On a winter's day". The music probably works best as the soundtrack to a still, snow-blanketed landscape, but it also blends nicely with the steady pitter-patter of raindrops. It's unobtrusive in the way that it doesn't necessarily demand your full attention, but it definitely sets a specific mood. Like, you might not notice the record when it's on, but you'll definitely feel it when it stops and the quiet, contemplative atmosphere is sucked out of the room by silence. Viktor builds his compositions with gentle, processed guitars and field recordings which means that all of the source tones are natural and warm. Even when he turns the strum of a guitar into a shimmering ripple of sound, it never feels cold and digital. Even if it's already summer where you're at, put this on with headphones and close your eyes. The seasonal theme may be winter, but this kind of music still sounds good year-round. [BUY IT]
Viktor Sjöberg - Winter guitars
Happy Friday everyone! This week's flashback post belongs to Matt Giordano:
For my first mp3 posting of an older track I chose "Those kids are gone" by Text. For those who are unaware, Text was a collective featuring most of the Refused members (Dennis being the one absent). Whilst most of the disc is spoken word, this track really sticks out. Not only is it the catchiest song on the record, but also because of its production quality. It's one of the rawest acoustic tracks I have ever heard, and David Sandström's melody is quite beautiful. And since this track was only performed by him, it, at the time, was giving you hints at what to expect from his solo work, as well as David Sandström Overdrive.
The whole album used to be available for free download at the Demonbox site, but the links are broken. However, you can still go there to read more about the band.
Text - Those kids are gone
The new Existensminimum album with the long, clumsy title "Last night my head tried to explode and I wrote everything down" surprised me. I didn't have a lot of expectations, but I never imagined that it would end up to be such a lush pop symphony. I suppose it makes perfect sense since Existensminimum mainman Magnus Henriksson made a name for himself as an engineer and producer before releasing this debut solo album. (He's also well-known for being Moneybrother's live drummer, but that's less important in this context) I know that the single "Changing lines" has already been circulated a bit, but it makes sense as the track immediately jumps out with its strong, soaring melodies and driving bass line. The rest of the record is less straightforward and more sonically adventurous, so it's a bit tougher to pick outstanding moments. I think that's a good thing though - it proves the music has lasting value. There's a ton of earcandy to absorb, so grab your headphones and dig in.
Existensminimum - Changing lines
Denmark's On Trial has been around for over 10 years now and their new album "Forever" is their first since 2002's "Blinded by the sun". Apparently it's also the first record they've done since losing Guf Lorenzen and Anders Skjødt who left to start Baby Woodrose. Their age and maturity shows - unlike upstart hardrockers such as Wolfmother and The Sword, On Trial is capable of writing real songs that transcend the usual genre labels and clichés. It's more than just a few cool riffs put next to eachother. In the same way that Motorpsycho looks back to the heyday of classic rock for inspiration, On Trial too looks backwards. However, while both bands might have one foot in the past, they are still marching forward. On Trial plays things a little more straight and doesn't stray as far from their fuzz-soaked, revved-up rock'n'roll sound. Forget those other young bands, this is the real rock revival.
On Trial - Kill city lights
Got the new Peter, Bjorn and John single for you today. It's such a hearty slice of pop genius that not even Victoria Bergsman (The Concretes) can ruin it with her flat, listless vocals. I don't mean to get on her case, but I think it's an important testament to the unstoppable pop genius of this trio. And c'mon - who can resist the siren song of that whistle refrain? It's exactly the kind of tune you find yourself humming throughout the day, apropo of nothing. This is the first single from the band's forthcoming album "Writer's block" which I sadly have not yet heard beyond the few songs posted on the band's myspace page, but if those four are any indication of what's to come, it's gonna be amazing. Can't wait!
Peter Bjorn and John - Young folks (ft. Victoria Bergsman)
Up until very recently all I know about Zero 7 was that they helped launch the career of Danish singer/songwriter Tina Dico. Or so she would have you believe at least - she sure milks her contributions in her press materials. I can't say I know much more about 'em now either, but I do know this: José González makes numerous guest appearances on their new album "The garden". Really, that's all I need because I've only been waiting two years or so for new José material. Zero 7's chill, downtempo electronica blends nicely with José's soft voice and gentle fingerpicking. It's not quite dentist office music, but it's definitely in the realm of AM gold ala Cat Stevens. Honestly, I don't think that's such a bad thing and the rest of the record feels pretty similar even though they change up the vocals quite a bit. An aside: I know I'm kind of late to the game with talking about this record (do a quick google search and you'll see it's been blogged to death), but it doesn't come out until June 6. Nice to see that some people still believe in long lead times. It's also worth noting that José will tour with them in the UK around late May/early June. I'd post the dates, but Zero 7's website is an abomination of flash design.
Zero 7 - Futures (ft. José González)
Marit Bergman plays Tack! Tack! Tack! in London on Monday, so of course I'm obligated to post a song from her today. I know a lot of folks (especially non-Swedes) know her from her fabulous "Adios amigos" single (see the equally amazing video right here), but I'm going to take you back to her first solo album "3.00 A.M. serenades". The production values aren't as high as "Baby dry your eye", but the songs are just as strong. This is the first song from that record and it's a doozy. Marit's trademark bittersweet lyrics and a huge chorus. Beautiful. As of this posting, there's less than 10 tickets left for the show, so be sure to hook it up now if you want in.
Bonus track re-post: Firefox AK - Habibi
Marit Bergman - This is the year
Denmark's Halph is a band that's hard to pin down. The duo's dark, droning sound bewilders and intoxicates with repetitious riffs and deep, deadpan vocals. Sometimes they let loose and let everything erupt into noise, but they usually keep things tight and fierce. I'm not usually so big on guitar/drum duos, but the interplay between guitarist/vocalist Thomas Nygaard and drummer Karsten Bagge is so intense, so well developed that I barely notice the lack of bass. This particular song I've posted today reminds me of Lungfish in the way that it's monotonous, yet so sinister. It doesn't work like a traditional song with verses, choruses and an emotional arc, but that's not the point. It's all about the mood, the moment. [BUY IT]
Halph - Life part II
Today's mp3 comes to us from manic Swedish instrumental act Alarma Man. Or at least they were instrumental until this release which I believe features guest vocals from singer/songwriter Ed Greene. And what release is this you might ask? Why it's from their split 12" with fellow nutjobs Knife and Ape. Too much insanity for a mere 7", that's the truth. The band describes themselves as "labyrinth-punk" that's as apt descriptor as I've ever heard. I especially like the part in the middle where it sounds like they pushed the guitarists down the stairs - they can barely keep it together, but that's what's so exciting about it. Great stuff.
Alarma Man - Doctors, listeners and spectators says viva the knife
Ask any Swedish music biz type about Hell On Wheels and they'll probably all tell you the same thing: nicest band ever. It's true, they are probably one of the nicest bands I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Too bad being nice in rock'n'roll gets you absolutely nowhere - it's a good thing that HoW are also a damn fine band. The trio has been honing their sound for quite some time now and their latest record "The odd church" is easily their best work yet. I had some delays getting my copy thanks to the US Dept. of Homeland Security opening my mail, but I've been listening daily since it arrived late last week. (Insert cheap pun about worshipping at the altar of the Odd Church, yadda yadda...) So enough about how nice HoW is, let's talk about their music! The most easy/obvious/lazy comparison would be The Pixies and I think that's a fine place to start. Bassist Åsa provides excellent counterpoint vocal melodies to frontman Rickard's lead when she isn't leading on her own. They don't usually reach The Pixies' heights of bombast, but they don't need to. HoW's songwriting and arrangements are much more intricate and involved. Not that I would accuse The Pixies of merely banging out chords, but How has more subtlety. They pack a lot of meat into everything they do. And don't forget how nice they are.
Hell on Wheels - Come on