Bowerbirds - Olive Hearts

A track that I was mildly obsessed with last year was Bowerbirds' "In Our Talons," which led me to check out their great set at SXSW '08. This week I finally picked up the band's full length debut, Hymns for a Dark Horse, and now wish I had done so months ago.

Lead single "In Our Talons" is immediately catchy, due in part to a main refrain sung as a group effort, and an accordian hook (just go with it). The song on the album that took me off guard in terms of how much I liked it, though, was "Olive Hearts," which starts out a bit slower but builds as the song develops. As I was listening to the album through (particularly "Olive Hearts"), I realized that I really enjoyed how the vocals and instrumentation interact in Bowerbirds. The two entities are almost like an owner walking their dog, with the dog happily walking off the trail here and there, but never straying too far. It's a style that could go dramatically wrong (see: Dirty Projectors), but works perfectly for Bowerbirds. Streaming and video links below.

Stream: Bowerbirds - Olive Hearts
Video: Bowerbirds - In Our Talons

Meeting (& Exceeding) the Hype: Fleet Foxes

White Winter Hymnal from Grandchildren on Vimeo.

Nowadays, so many bands are overhyped to the point of unattainable expectations. With blogs and media sites posting music recommendations that they get from one another, a band can be over saturated in the matter of a week or two. This new fishbowl environment makes it so much more gratifying to find a few notable bands that emerge as worthy of all that praise (Grizzly Bear & Arcade Fire to name a few that I'd put in this category, disagree as you see fit). The debut Fleet Foxes album has had all kinds of people heaping praise all over it (that dude over at Stereogum, for one, should probably take it down a notch), but the honest truth is that their album really is that good (and as someone who was lucky enough to see them live twice this year, the music translates great in concert). I mean damn, they even made their myspace page funny.

Folksy but not sleepy and spacey but focused, Fleet Foxes really is one of the best albums of 2008. Video above, Mp3 below. Enjoy.

Mp3: Fleet Foxes - He Doesn't Know Why

The Donkeys - Walk Through a Cloud

From the moment you hear the great opening guitar hook in The Donkeys' "Walk Through a Cloud," it's hard not to be won over immediately. It's a light, likable song from the San Diego band that serves as a fun preview of some new music headed our way this fall. Their next album, Living on the Other Side, is due out on September 9th, and I'd recommend staying posted here for more info. Until then, this song is destined to be on my next mixtape. Check it:

Mp3: The Donkeys - Walk Through a Cloud

White Hassle - Life is Still Sweet

I once read this quote from a musician in which they said that their favorite songs had upbeat music but dismal lyrics. While that pretty much defines a large part of indie rock these days, sometimes it's good to just listen to a song that's positive all around. New Yorkers White Hassle crafted one such song a few years back (which later inspired Isaac Brock to write "Float On," incidentally), "Life is Still Sweet." Although the band is now on hiatus, this track should live on in peoples' iPhones or whatever the kids have these days.


Mp3: White Hassle - Life is Still Sweet

BOAT - Topps

Well, I said I'd post about them at some point, and with the arrival of a new EP, the day has arrived. BOAT's new song, "Topps," combines the worlds of baseball and indie pop as a select few have done before. If you've never heard BOAT before, their sound is both catchy and jumpy, and features a vocal style that evolves depending on what is called for by the backing music (Good examples of other songs to check out include "Elephant Ears" and "I'm a Donkey for Your Love," both on the band's myspace). Anyway, new track for your loving:

Mp3: BOAT - Topps
Buy: BOAT - Topps EP

Take Away Shows in Tallahassee

My new apartment has stairs. Therefore, this is how my mornings will be as I walk down them on my way to work. Happy Saturday,
Adam

She & Him - Why do you Let Me Stay Here?

I hope to not make a habit of posting videos linking to MTV, since they barely even play music themselves anymore, but so be it for today. This one's for a favorite song of mine on She & Him's debut album, Volume One. After watching it, I felt like it came close to being half creepy and half endearing. However, I think the Zooey Deschanel presence tips it over into the endearing side. As they used to say at the end of "Making the Video" episodes, "AND NOW, THE WORLD PREMIERE (pause for effect) OF SHE & HIM'S "WHY DO YOU LET ME STAY HERE" ("whoosh" noise):

New Beck - Modern Guilt

Beck Hanson, the Scientology-raised-part-time-semi-sensical-rapping-part-time-heartfelt-singing artist is back for 2008 with a brand new Danger Mouse-produced album, Modern Guilt.Though Guero may be looked at as a slight lull in Beck's career, his last album, The Information, was clearly underrated in my book. It tipped Beck's sound back into the likeable, lighter sounding side of his frenetic music that became almost directionless on Guero. From the sounds of the released tracks of Modern Guilt, it seems as though this go round will feature a sound that is genre-bending but clearly wears the imprint of both Beck and Danger Mouse. You can pick up a copy for yourself on 7/8/08.


Stream: Beck - Orphans/Gamma Ray/Chemtrails

Greetings from...Sasquatch! 2008 (a little late, but still)

Oh, Sasquatch. Going in, this festival had a whole lot to live up to for me. I had previously only been to two festivals, but both had extremely impressive lineups. Add that to the fact that I was literally flying as far across the lower 48 states as is possible to get there and that I was passing up Bonnaroo in favor of this Pacific Northwestern alternative, and, well...let's just say it was going to take a lot.

Three days, dozens of bands, and one shower later, I can say with ease that this festival was not only worth going, but that I am already planning out my '09 trip. Much like my SXSW post, I'll try my best to sum it all up with a few highlights and mp3s from some of my favorite acts. Special bonus: grainy pictures from a disposable camera. Makes it more old-timey, I'd say.

Saturday Highlights:

Beirut

If you've never listened to Beirut before, my suggestion is to listen to the Mp3 below and just imagine hearing it live in front of an expansive canyon. I can't think of anyone else that would have truly kicked off the festival any better. Beirut's international sound was the perfect soundtrack to our first glimpse of the Gorge Amphitheatre. I'm rather glad that I had never seen the act before, as it allows me to now have this perfect association in my head: the pairing of venue and sound.

Mp3: Beirut - Scenic World (Second Version)

M.I.A.

I'm not sure how I could possibly do M.I.A.'s performance justice through words, but I will say that it was as good, if not better, than any other large-stage performance of the entire weekend. My friend Roy and I were saying that it felt as though we were at Glastonbury Festival, as the show had the entire crowd moving in unison, a surreal, video-game-esque stop motion video playing in time with her music, and featured several songs with a few hundred fans dancing up on stage. The entire set just blew me away. If you have the chance to check her out, do so.

[photo credit: jerkalertproductions]
Modest Mouse

Sasquatch! has presented some of my favorite performers throughout the festivals history, including Bjork, Arcade Fire, and Beck. This year, Modest Mouse was one such act, and although I had seen them twice already, they were one of my most anticipated sets of the weekend. The set started off a bit slow, and something seemed off. Probably about 1/4 of the way through their time on stage, though, things suddenly turned upwards, right around the time they absolutely ripped through "Trucker's Atlas." From that point forward, the band was 100% phenomenal. It was easily the tightest I have ever seen the band, and it was also the most dynamic performance I've ever seen them give (the addition of Johnny Marr was great to see for the first time, as well). "King Rat" was great to see, and the night's version of "Doin' the Cockroach" was one of the best single songs I've seen from any band of any song in recent memory.

Video - Modest Mouse - Doin' the Cockroach (Unofficial)

Sunday Highlights:

Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks

The photo above: uneven, bad lighting, and perfectly depicts the fact that I was standing at the side of the stage for the Jicks' set. It helps to know powerful performers with extra backstage wristbands, it is true. Malkmus was one of the few acts that I consider to be absolutely an all-time favorite that I had never seen live before. Not only was I able to cross this one off the list, but I was able to watch from a distance of about 10 feet away. The set was a bit jam-heavy, but fulfilling nonetheless. Highlight: Malkmus' pavement joke: "This is the best weather I've ever seen at Sasquatch! I wasn't here yesterday, though. I hear yesterday it was raining sideways...Crooked. Crooked rain."

Flaming Lips Movie Premiere: Christmas on Mars

It was loud, very loud. It also reminded me of a really long nightmare. However, it was really about more than just the movie - it was an experience. Wayne Coyne came out to introduce the film, saying, in his usual quirky-endearing-fast-speak, something to the effect of, "Well, this isn't the first screening, the first screening was two hours ago. But this is the second ever screening of this film. And there will only be one second screening, ever." Good enough for me. We also got free popcorn in a limited edition "Eat Your Own Spaceship" container, and the drummer held the tent curtain open for the crowd as we exited.

Trailer - Flaming Lips' Christmas on Mars (frighteningly enough, very representative of the film)

Monday Highlights:

Thao with the Get Down, Stay Down

This was probably the 50th or so time that I've seen Thao play live, but I think it was also only the 3rd time that I've seen the band playing under their current moniker. As charming and clearly gifted a performer as Thao has always been as a solo performer, her music has never sounded better than it does now, within the confines of a full band. Whereas I used to describe the band as having a clear sound of a group of talented musicians, they now sound like a band that has been playing together for years. Their time spent recently on the road has clearly paid off, as their performance was easily the best, most cohesive second stage performance that I saw all weekend. The rest of the crowd seemed to agree, and the energy that went back and forth between the stage and audience was noteworthy.

Mp3: Thao with the Get Down, Stay Down - Yes, So On and So On

[photo credit: rfc]

Flight of the Conchords

Let me start off by saying that I've seen a total of 5 minutes of the HBO show that these guys star in, and I did not find it all that funny. In the lead-up to the festival, though, I heard a few of their songs, and actually did start to enjoy them more ("that's why they call them business socks?" I mean, come on, how can you deny that?). I ended up deciding on staying for their set to give them a shot and see how they were live. Despite the fact that they were playing to a crowd of probably around 8,000, the duo really held their own and were actually very funny. They were slotted at a great part of the day, as they played an early evening set that followed the guitar work of Rodrigo y Gabriela and was not right up against the Flaming Lips' UFO show. This led to a laid back and receptive crowd, which helped the guys to do a great job of interacting and involving the audience. All in all, it was a smart change of pace for the festival organizers to slip into the lineup.


See you next year, Sasquatch. You too, guitar-rocking-out bear sculpture.

New Video - Thao w/ The Get Down, Stay Down - Swimming Pools

I'm in the midst of playing catch-up at work these days, but I've got a full Sasquatch! 2008 wrap-up post on the way. In the mean time, I'd like to check in with my good friends in Thao with the Get Down, Stay Down. Currently in the midst of their tour in which Rilo Kiley is closing for them, the band has found time to release the third video from We Brave Bee Stings and All, "Swimming Pools." Check it out below, it is definitely my favorite of their videos thus far.

In Appreciation of the Cover Song

Arguments can be made for what makes a great cover song, but I would suggest that the best kind of cover is one in which a band steps outside of their comfort zone in the selection of the song and they subsequently make it their own. It really speaks to both the quality of the song and the versatility of the band taking on the challenge. Submitted for your approval in this category is "Heart it Races," originally by Australian band Architecture in Helsinki, and covered here by Dr. Dog.

The Architecture version is everything that you might expect from them: upbeat, full of dense instrumentation, and very poppy. Somehow, Dr. Dog, who are typically known for a 60's-ish, harmony-heavy, throwback sound, add their own elements to the song (while keeping most of the endearing qualities of the original record). I was lucky enough to catch both bands live last year, and I'd highly recommend checking them both out, and catching each unique take on this song. You can buy both versions and more on Architecture in Helsinki's Heart it Races EP, available right here.

Mp3: Dr. Dog - Heart it Races
Mp3: Architecture in Helsinki - Heart it Races
Video: Architecture in Helsinki - Heart it Races (you really must check this out)

A Mini Road Trip Mix

So this weekend I'm out of town at a graduation and then at the Tampa Radiohead show, and it got me thinking that I'm in need of a new mix cd for traveling. Although I can't fit everything on my server, I can fit a mini version. While certainly not a full mix cd, I'm willing to go ahead and call it a mix EP. Below, four tracks from the "May 08: Dear Volvo, Please Do Not Break Down. Your Friend, Adam" mix EP, assembled by me.

Cross your fingers for me that I am able to gather myself enough to drive back after seeing my favorite band of all time from a mere 15 rows back.

...and since I'll be gone for about a week:
Mp3: George Costanza - Believe it or Not

Mix EP:

Mp3: Stephen Malkmus - Phantasies
Mp3: Little Ones - Lovers Who Uncover
Mp3: The White Stripes - I Think I Smell a Rat
Mp3: Pixies - Dig for Fire

New Mates of State on the Way

The two happiest live performers that I've ever seen, Jason and Kori of Mates of State, have a new album coming out on May 20, and the early signs are very positive. The first single, "Get Better," features the husband and wife duo sharing vocals as usual, and it has all the hallmarks of the best MoS songs: gradually building tempo, complementary keyboards and drums, and overall, it is as catchy as ever. The video features all of that plus scooters and animal masks. Check it below, along with the Mates of State song that sold me 100% on these guys, and solidified them as one of my favorite bands, "Fluke."

As a sidenote, the band also has an entertaining blog in which they document their experiences as both parents and a band. Also, it's called "Band on the Diaper Run," which I think is very funny. You probably should too, I mean really.



Mp3: Mates of State - Fluke
Stream: Mates of State - Get Better
Video: Mates of State - Get Better

1/2 of Mates of State + 1/2 of Mates of State's Kids + all of Mates of State's demeanor:

New Weezer - Pork and Beans

Yes, it's that time again. Time for all the longtime Weezer fans to evaluate a new single and decide how it stacks up against the two classics, Weezer (Blue) and Pinkerton. The past 3 albums have been seen overall as disappointments, especially when compared with those first two, but we may finally have a winner. There was some hope shown in the Rivers Cuomo solo album, but here we see the band back again. The lyrics may be a bit nonsensical, but the instrumental sound (particularly the guitarwork) is undeniably reminiscent of classic Blue Album tracks like "My Name is "Jonas" and "The World Has Turned and Left Me Here." Agree? Disagree?

Stream: Weezer - Pork and Beans

Ryan Adams has gone a little bit crazy: stuffed animals & new music

[VIDEO REMOVED]

...but he remains more talented than everone else.

Summer Music: Belle & Sebastian

It's pretty easy to develop associations, both good and bad, with your favorite music. For myself, Belle & Sebastian is a band that I've long associated with summer. It was a summer in high school when I heard my first B&S album and a summer in college that I first saw the group play live. When it starts getting warm out and I can feel the season changing, I seem to revisit all their albums without fail. Below, two of my favorite B&S songs that I'll surely be listening to soon (or now, considering we've already hit 80 degree weather...).

Mp3: Belle & Sebastian - Seeing Other People
Mp3: Belle & Sebastian - Dirty Dream Number Two

SXSW 2008

[photo credit: Staciaann Photography]

The South by Southwest Music Conference/Festival truly is exactly as it sounds: Over 60 venues, over 1400 artists, all packed into downtown Austin, TX over one week. In reality, though, it is hard to imagine until you see it all first-hand. It is overwhelming, thrilling, and exhausting all at once. The mere task of trying to select which bands to see at any given moment is a huge undertaking, mainly because there are very few easy choices (with the notable exception of skipping a party hosted by Perez Hilton, sorry dude.). In the end, though, having to choose among so many great shows really is half the fun, and I quickly realized that it is important to take chances on a new band, rather than always going with the more established acts. Below, personal highlights from SXSW and some Mp3s from the bands that put on my favorite shows.

[photo credit: dontdothisathome]

Favorite Large Venue Show: Alejandro Escovedo @ Stubb's
The perfect example of stumbling upon a great, great artist. The reason that I even made the trek over to Stubb's to check out this set is that I heard a rumor that Lou Reed was going to be a surprise guest at this set, which made me immediately leave the show I was at and head right over. Midway through the first song of the set, I had already forgotten why I came over, because Escovedo and his band tore through their own music with passion and incredible skill. I have no idea why Escovedo isn't playing huge venues, or even why his music isn't all over the radio. It is catchy, accessible, and laced with pure high-level musicianship. In the end, the entire set went by without any guest appearances, but it didn't matter. As a big R.E.M. fan who saw said band perform a terrific set the night before on the same stage, I can say that Escovedo put on the superior performance. Next year, I only hope that the crowd doubles if he makes another appearance.

Mp3: Alejandro Escovedo - Castanets

Runner-Up for Favorite Large Venue Show: R.E.M. @ Stubb's

[photo credit: chasingfun]

Favorite Mid-Sized Venue Show: Bodies of Water @ Mohawk Patio
Bodies of Water was one of the bands I was most looking forward to heading into SXSW. They also were one of the acts that had a handful of scheduled performances throughout the week. I'd like to think that I picked the best show of the bunch, because they put on a terrific performance. Bodies of Water's songs have a wonderful tendency to include changes of tempo throughout as well as vocals from all members. This can lead to a sound that is Polyphonic Spree-esque with some jumpy Mates of State or Architecture in Helsinki-type twists. The high point of the show had to be towards the end of the performance, when the group played one of my favorite singles of 2007, "These Are the Eyes." The fullness of the song completely came through in the live show, and the group's charisma only added to the performance.

Mp3: Bodies of Water - These Are the Eyes

Runner-Up for Favorite Mid-Sized Venue Show: The Most Serene Republic @ The Parish

Favorite Small Venue Show: Mittens on Strings @ The Hideout
In many ways, this was my favorite overall show in terms of a true South by Southwest experience. Mittens on Strings is a band that I first read about after last year's SXSW, and I've since grown to be a big fan. Unfortunately, they only had one show scheduled this year, so I was forced to skip both Aloha and Land of Talk to see this show. Verdict: glad I took the chance. The Hideout was one of the stranger locations for a show, because after a week of seeing bands in bars, you quickly realize that this venue is actually located within a coffee shop. It isn't until you walk to the back of the shop that you see a side entrance that leads to a small theatre extension where bands performed. The journey was worth it, because everyone in the audience got to be a part of a special performance. While there are many bands nowadays that are producing contrived versions of mid-90s low-fi indie rock, there are significantly less acts that take the music of their predecessors and actually push it in a new and interesting direction. Mittens on Strings fall well within the latter category. After a 40 minute set, I left with the strong feeling that I had gotten the chance to see an act on their way up, which to me is the most exciting of all the opportunities at South by Southwest.

Mp3: Mittens on Strings - G.I. Dirt Races

Runner-Up for Favorite Small Venue Show: Bowerbirds @ Mohawk (inside)



Final tally of acts seen: 30
[In alphabetical order...Alejandro Escovedo, Basia Bulat, Bear in Heaven, Blitzen Trapper, Bodies of Water, Bon Iver, Bowerbirds, Dead Confederate, Destroyer, Evangelicals, Fleet Foxes, Islands, Jens Lekman, Johnathan Rice, Langhorne Slim, Le Loup, Mittens on Strings, N.E.R.D., Ola Podrida, Papercranes, Phosphorescent, R.E.M., Ra Ra Riot, Summerbirds in the Cellar, Tapes 'n Tapes, The Cribs, The Most Serene Republic, Tokyo Police Club, White Denim, White Rabbits]

Daytrotter Highlight: Basia Bulat

I once again have the good folks over at Daytrotter to thank for introducing me to a great new artist (who will also be performing at South by Southwest this weekend to boot). Basia Bulat hails from Canada, home to all kinds of musical wonders, from MuchMusic to Neil Young. Her voice demands attention, and when combined with her band's very full instrumental sound, makes for some great music. Her originals are just as strong as her covers, but the two tracks that I most highly recommend are "Untitled," and the Sam Cooke cover, "The Hem of His Garment." You can check out the full set at the link below.

Basia Bulat - Daytrotter Session


Past Daytrotter Session Recommendations:
Thao Nguyen
Andrew Bird
Bishop Allen


Full Daytrotter Session Archive

Modest Mouse - Worms vs. Birds

As you may have guessed, the song below is where this site's name came from. I suppose the main reason I selected it is that Modest Mouse has long been a favorite band of mine, and this song is simple, short, and a great example of why I love the band. The guitar work in particular on this track is pure Modest Mouse. The song is off the 1994 album Sad Sappy Sucker, which can be had right here. I've actually seen it listed as both "Birds vs. Worms" and "Worms vs. Birds," but what the heck. Here it is:

Mp3: Modest Mouse - Worms vs. Birds

Matt Pond PA - Fairlee

There are times when I'd describe rediscovering a band as being just as satisfying as hearing a band for the first time. I've recently gotten back into a band that I hadn't listened to much in the past few years, and haven't had the chance to even check out their new album. Thanks to an old mix cd on a road trip, however, I ran across a song that I used to love by Matt Pond PA and am welcoming it back into my life. It's off their 2002 Polyvinyl-released album, The Nature of Maps, available here. The bonus factor is that I'll be seeing them live in a matter of hours. Here's hoping they bust out this old one at the CDU.

Mp3: Matt Pond PA - Fairlee