Song: Holy, Holy, Holy Moses (a song for New Orleans)
Artist: Alec Ounsworth (of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah)
Album: Mo Beauty
Also try: Spencer Krug (Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade, Swan Lake), Frog Eyes
Commentary: If anyone's singing can be described as a yelp, I probably like it (cf. Danielson, Spencer Krug, etc.). Alec Ounsworth, lead singer of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, gives an obliquely poignant number "for New Orleans" here that is driven by his voice, without the full band of CYHSY.
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Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
"Master of my Craft" by Parquet Courts
Song: Master of my Craft
Artist: Parquet Courts
Album: Light Up Gold
Also try: Mallard, Royal Headache, Spooktober, Pavement
Commentary: Sometimes, the album cover draws you in more than it should. I don't regret it. I knew this album was memorable when I heard Andrew Savage say, "Forget about it" on this first track. "Stoned and Starving" is a pretty great song too.
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Artist: Parquet Courts
Album: Light Up Gold
Also try: Mallard, Royal Headache, Spooktober, Pavement
Commentary: Sometimes, the album cover draws you in more than it should. I don't regret it. I knew this album was memorable when I heard Andrew Savage say, "Forget about it" on this first track. "Stoned and Starving" is a pretty great song too.
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Friday, December 13, 2013
"Obodo Eyo" by Sir Victor Uwaifo
Song: Obodo Eyo (Ekassa 12)
Artist: Sir Victor Uwaifo
Album: Guitar-boy superstar
Also try:
Commentary: Sir Victor Uwaifo made up a style based on a traditional Nigerian dance associated with the coronation ceremony for the Obas (kings) of the kingdom of Benin; the style is called Ekassa. This song, Ekassa 12, is a reverent song for the monarch and has lyrics that say 'All hail the king!, His Majesty, the world is yours.' (this information comes from research from the liner notes compiled by the wonderful Miles Cleret of Soundway records)
I first heard Sir Victor Uwaifo a few years back on a weird compilation from Amazon (Wyld Pytch/51 Lex Records Presents: Music From Nigeria) I deleted the rest of the songs, but I kept Ekassa 28. When Ekassa 34 appeared on the Rough Guide to West African Gold, I fell even deeper in love with Uwaifo's riffs in the highlife style. Ekassa 12 (Obodo Eyo) is one of my favs from the Soundways compilation focusing on his Ekassa period in the early 70s.
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Artist: Sir Victor Uwaifo
Album: Guitar-boy superstar
Also try:
Commentary: Sir Victor Uwaifo made up a style based on a traditional Nigerian dance associated with the coronation ceremony for the Obas (kings) of the kingdom of Benin; the style is called Ekassa. This song, Ekassa 12, is a reverent song for the monarch and has lyrics that say 'All hail the king!, His Majesty, the world is yours.' (this information comes from research from the liner notes compiled by the wonderful Miles Cleret of Soundway records)
I first heard Sir Victor Uwaifo a few years back on a weird compilation from Amazon (Wyld Pytch/51 Lex Records Presents: Music From Nigeria) I deleted the rest of the songs, but I kept Ekassa 28. When Ekassa 34 appeared on the Rough Guide to West African Gold, I fell even deeper in love with Uwaifo's riffs in the highlife style. Ekassa 12 (Obodo Eyo) is one of my favs from the Soundways compilation focusing on his Ekassa period in the early 70s.
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Monday, December 9, 2013
"The Top" by Francis and the Lights
Song: The Top
Artist: Francis and the Lights
Album: Modern Promise
Commentary: Apparently my brother knows this guy. New York City, you know. If I had to guess, they have the same tailor. But my brother cannot dance like that. Seriously, these are some rad dance moves. And the ending is cool. Their new EP got a Pitchfork review, so that reminded me of them (i new them b4 they were famous!!!1!), but I like "The Top" way better than their new single, "Like a Dream." (Although, another cool video from Jake Schreier, and more smooth moves).
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Artist: Francis and the Lights
Album: Modern Promise
Commentary: Apparently my brother knows this guy. New York City, you know. If I had to guess, they have the same tailor. But my brother cannot dance like that. Seriously, these are some rad dance moves. And the ending is cool. Their new EP got a Pitchfork review, so that reminded me of them (i new them b4 they were famous!!!1!), but I like "The Top" way better than their new single, "Like a Dream." (Although, another cool video from Jake Schreier, and more smooth moves).
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Friday, December 6, 2013
"Kindred" by Burial
Song: Kindred
Artist: Burial
Album: Kindred EP
Also try: Lapalux, Tim Hecker, Nicolaas Jaar
Commentary: The Kindred EP made a splash and it is awesome. Three longish electronic tracks that are totally worth your time.
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Artist: Burial
Album: Kindred EP
Also try: Lapalux, Tim Hecker, Nicolaas Jaar
Commentary: The Kindred EP made a splash and it is awesome. Three longish electronic tracks that are totally worth your time.
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Monday, December 2, 2013
"Horse Race" by Air Waves
Song: Horse Race (demo)
Artist: Air Waves
Album: Ad Hoc compilation
Also try: EMA, Perfume Genius, How to Dress Well
Commentary: "gonna find myself a new ma-a-a-an" Catchy tune (do I use that phrase too much?) The compilation has a few awesome songs, plenty of decent ones, and also a fair amount for which I cared little. I'd say worth $15 for the exposure to new, well-curated songs.
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Artist: Air Waves
Album: Ad Hoc compilation
Also try: EMA, Perfume Genius, How to Dress Well
Commentary: "gonna find myself a new ma-a-a-an" Catchy tune (do I use that phrase too much?) The compilation has a few awesome songs, plenty of decent ones, and also a fair amount for which I cared little. I'd say worth $15 for the exposure to new, well-curated songs.
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