It's an immense wonder why I haven't featured R.E.M. in any of the previous installments of 'Song of the Day'. The band is both an immense influential source for much of my music since the very early '08 days and is an absolute presence in my favorite bands of all time list.
With that said, R.E.M. is a band of various 'eras' due to their immense catalog, and with such comes the never ending 'best album/best song/best anything' debate among fans with themselves and others. It's all a fun slippery slope once you create your own definitive favorites from their fifteen (!) albums and whatever else you may find.
'Catapult', coming from their 1983 debut album Murmur (considered by many to be their best early period work), is an excellent testament to the unique formula of the band's early songwriting; melodic bassline, jangly guitars mixed with acoustic guitars, harmonizing backing vocals from Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe's mumbling nervous yet soaring vocals.
Perhaps to the newcomer it's not as impressive with the huge onset of bands that would pretty much copy and paste this style throughout the late 80's and much of the 90's. But when you listen to any material dating from their first EP to their two subsequent albums you discover the genuine excitement and timeless youthful energy of a band creating their own path, and you realize you just can't top the pioneers.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
New Release: How Scandinavian - People's Perfume (Music Video)
The Pity Won EP has been pushed back to next week for release but in the mean time enjoy this music video for the song 'People's Perfume' from the very same EP. Directed by my good old friend Andrew Henry; I feel the video perfectly captures the essence of the song and even throws in a few twists and turns for the viewer. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Madrugada Eterna
My friend from Pittsburgh, Andrew Henry, released this 51-minute film earlier this year. It's a great study of that essence you get when you are with your friends. I highly recommend anyone with the time to chill out and watch this, the soundtrack is superb and the editing is inspiring. Give it a shot!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
New Release/Announcement: How Scandinavian - Bryophyte (Music Video) / Pity Won EP
Chief Tizo Records is proud to announce that How Scandinavian will be releasing a brand new EP entitled Pity Won on May 12th! It will consist of five tracks (track list is below) and run about twenty minutes long.
This release serves as a bridge between the mourning sound of Dolorous and the future directions that will be found on the sophomore LP in the works. Below you can have a sneak preview of lead track 'Bryophyte' below in our very first homemade music video! I hope everyone enjoys what will hopefully be a tradition for every new major release that the label is able to put out!
Pity Won EP Track List:
1. Marconi
2. The Fox and the Grapes
3. Miscreants
4. Bryophyte
5. People's Perfume
This release serves as a bridge between the mourning sound of Dolorous and the future directions that will be found on the sophomore LP in the works. Below you can have a sneak preview of lead track 'Bryophyte' below in our very first homemade music video! I hope everyone enjoys what will hopefully be a tradition for every new major release that the label is able to put out!
Pity Won EP Track List:
1. Marconi
2. The Fox and the Grapes
3. Miscreants
4. Bryophyte
5. People's Perfume
Song of the Day: Chavez - Wakeman's Air
Chavez is one of those bands that you 'kind of' have to dig around about in the confines of the internet to really find out about. It's ironic that one can make such claims when it is already an immense step up to what might have been an impossible search in the past when they were still around.
The reason I bring this up is because the sound that Chavez have is particularly timeless, it's not obviously 90's post-hardcore and it's not really too modern sounding to be considered a recent release either. I always see this as a blessing because it allows much of the song's context to be focused on in a more specific manner; it allows for a unique listening experience because it literally 'sounds' unique.
But to cut the inane attempt at describing, I'm just going to say that Chavez knew how to really balance their sound between moods as they allow for a certain amount of tension to build up unknowingly to just throw you off a little when the song itself actually 'quietly' explodes.
'Wakeman's Air' is a great example of this skill and really lends itself to several moods (it opens with a heavy riff, goes into a rather bleak verse, has a noisy bridge and morphs into an uplifting chorus, goddamn!) that are only exemplified by that timeless feel and their almost post-hardcore/metal hybrid sound. A real treat of balance and attention to arrangement that makes for repeated listens.
The reason I bring this up is because the sound that Chavez have is particularly timeless, it's not obviously 90's post-hardcore and it's not really too modern sounding to be considered a recent release either. I always see this as a blessing because it allows much of the song's context to be focused on in a more specific manner; it allows for a unique listening experience because it literally 'sounds' unique.
But to cut the inane attempt at describing, I'm just going to say that Chavez knew how to really balance their sound between moods as they allow for a certain amount of tension to build up unknowingly to just throw you off a little when the song itself actually 'quietly' explodes.
'Wakeman's Air' is a great example of this skill and really lends itself to several moods (it opens with a heavy riff, goes into a rather bleak verse, has a noisy bridge and morphs into an uplifting chorus, goddamn!) that are only exemplified by that timeless feel and their almost post-hardcore/metal hybrid sound. A real treat of balance and attention to arrangement that makes for repeated listens.
Favorite 2012 Releases Thus Far
I have a few favorites that differ from Bryan's ,but mostly he got all of my favorites. Just to list the ones I share with Bryan first
Death Grips - The Money Store
Dark. Erie. Noisy. Catchy. Fun. So far it is my AOTY
Portico Quartet- s/t
This album is probably going to be the best jazz release of this year. The saxophone on some of these tracks is so warm in contrast to the somewhat cold electronics on the album, which is shown clearly on my favorite track on the album, Ruin.
This is THE album to chill out to everything just works.
Now for the albums that I liked, starting with another jazz album, BBNG2
BADBADNOTGOOD-BBNG2
BADBADNOTGOOD is a jazz band from Canada that takes hip-hop beats from Kanye West, Gucci Mane, Tyler, the Creator and even does a rendition of James Blake's Limit To Your Love .They take these simple beats and add their own flare, which is not only influenced by jazz , but a large amount of genres. They even have a cover of "You Made Me Realise" which is great.
They don't only re-do people's beats either they even have a few of their own songs, which are actually some of my favorites on the album. This album is a grower, with each listen it gets better and better.
The album is free on their website
Loma Prieta - I.V.
This is a Screamo band that is made up of members of Beau Navire (they made my list last year with their album Hours), Archeopteryx, Punch, Sailboats, and us, haunted bodies. Together the band makes some of the most abrasive hardcore music to ever come out this year. Starting with the opening track Fly By Night, which comes in hard and then later in the track the band turns more and more melodic, something I really loved from Beau Navire's Hours album.
My favorite tracks comes from the Trilogy (Trilogy 4 "Momentary", Trilogy 5 "Half Cross",Trilogy 6 "Forgetting") in which the noisy guitars seems to stack on and on with these crazy riffs. The sound is massive, fast and antagonistic.
Altogether this album delivers the most aggressive music I have heard this whole year.
Children of the Night - Queens... Revisited
Children of the Night delivers everything I like in a hip-hop group. They all have diverse styles they all have great rhymes and luckily they have some great beats. The way the group collectively rides a beat is very amusing especially on "Kids From Queens", which was the first song I heard from them. The chemistry on the album with the producers and the rappers is strong and it is seen in the tracks.
The album is free on bandcamp
Death Grips - The Money Store
Dark. Erie. Noisy. Catchy. Fun. So far it is my AOTY
Portico Quartet- s/t
This album is probably going to be the best jazz release of this year. The saxophone on some of these tracks is so warm in contrast to the somewhat cold electronics on the album, which is shown clearly on my favorite track on the album, Ruin.
This is THE album to chill out to everything just works.
Now for the albums that I liked, starting with another jazz album, BBNG2
BADBADNOTGOOD-BBNG2
They don't only re-do people's beats either they even have a few of their own songs, which are actually some of my favorites on the album. This album is a grower, with each listen it gets better and better.
The album is free on their website
Loma Prieta - I.V.
This is a Screamo band that is made up of members of Beau Navire (they made my list last year with their album Hours), Archeopteryx, Punch, Sailboats, and us, haunted bodies. Together the band makes some of the most abrasive hardcore music to ever come out this year. Starting with the opening track Fly By Night, which comes in hard and then later in the track the band turns more and more melodic, something I really loved from Beau Navire's Hours album.
My favorite tracks comes from the Trilogy (Trilogy 4 "Momentary", Trilogy 5 "Half Cross",Trilogy 6 "Forgetting") in which the noisy guitars seems to stack on and on with these crazy riffs. The sound is massive, fast and antagonistic.
Altogether this album delivers the most aggressive music I have heard this whole year.
Children of the Night - Queens... Revisited
Children of the Night delivers everything I like in a hip-hop group. They all have diverse styles they all have great rhymes and luckily they have some great beats. The way the group collectively rides a beat is very amusing especially on "Kids From Queens", which was the first song I heard from them. The chemistry on the album with the producers and the rappers is strong and it is seen in the tracks.
The album is free on bandcamp
Monday, April 30, 2012
Favorite releases of 2012 so far, in no particular order
Death Grips - The Money Store
Obvious choice really, but I'll be damned if I haven't heard another release that has exceeded all my expectations. I enjoyed Exmilitary quite a bit last year but I credit The Money Store in only adding to my appreciation for that release.
But aside from that, The Money Store itself is an excellent release that is worthy of its hype and praise. Essentially expanding upon the noise hip-hop sound that their previous release touched upon, this album simply pushes the boundaries of what is actually considered 'hip-hop' all while being catchy as fuck. I guarantee this will be on my end of the year list and the best part is Death Grips have one more album to release this year.
Favorite tracks: Lost Boys, Hacker, Get Got, Double Helix, Bitch Please, The Fever (Aye Aye)
Protip: I pretty much love the entire thing.
Moonface - With Siinai: Heartbreaking Bravery
I had a huge revival of Spencer Krug's sadly in-hiatus band Sunset Rubdown just recently this year while replaying both Shut Up I am Dreaming and Random Spirit Lover and grew a huge new love for Dragonslayer after previously only enjoying a few tracks. Needless to say, I never really cared much about his Moonface project, thinking it was just something to pass the time while he would eventually return to Sunset Rubdown in a year or so.
Well it's been about three years and Sunset Rubdown is indefinitely stuck in 2009 while Moonface is releasing their second album, Heartbreaking Bravery. Color me surprised when I find out that this new release bears no resemblance to Sunset Rubdown's mythical prog rock leanings. Well I wasn't actually surprised, but what did was the sheer emotional nature of this album. I have to say, this is a SAD record (I dare you not to feel anything on the album closer 'Lay Your Cheek On Down').
Krug sings directly and the songs are huge, muscular, and repetitive until you get the picture of no hope. While I can understand if this isn't a hit at parties, it certainly gives me something to party about as I await the next evolution for Spencer Krug's musical career.
Favorite Tracks: Heartbreaking Bravery, Yesterday's Fire, Shitty City, Lay Your Cheek On Down
Portico Quartet - Portico Quartet
A nice blend of electronics with modern jazz sounds, Portico Quartet's self-titled album is complex and layered as it is organic and effortless. This album provides some very memorable songs and soundscapes that incorporate a healthy mix of electronic and acoustic instruments that will capture your imagination. One of the earliest releases that I got into this year and will definitely be heard throughout the rest of it.
Favorite tracks: Rubidium, Spinner, Lacker Boo, Steepless
Kayo Dot - Gamma Knife
The latest release by experimental band Kayo Dot was actually one of the earliest new releases I heard this year and while I really want to consider it an album that is more than the sum of its parts, there are a lot of things from keeping it from being memorable. The production is very flat due to being recorded mostly from live performances, and if that isn't enough, the majority of the album is mixed too messily to really piece out what is going on. These factors sadly make much of the album seem like a giant blur rather than separate songs.
Yet even with these setbacks there are good points throughout, the unique brand of experimental metal that Kayo Dot is known for is pretty much present and is still enjoyable, the opening track 'Lethe' is extremely beautiful and is easily the best track, and the album itself doesn't overstay it's short welcome. All in all, a decent release that for some reason holds a soft spot in me.
Favorite tracks: Lethe, Mirror Water Lightning Night, Gamma Knife
Daniel Rossen - Silent Hour/Golden Mile EP
A short and sudden release by Department of Eagles/Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen, Silent Hour/Golden Mile serves as a sort of snapshot for the singer-songwriter's current direction. Filled to the brim with bright, beautiful and punchy acoustic guitar, shimmering woodwinds and brass, and Rossen's rich vocal, the release could easily pass off as either of his two projects.
But what sets this release apart is this paradoxical sense of intimacy that you wouldn't expect from what sounds like 'full band' songs. Personally, I'm reminded of Elliot Smith's 'full band' releases on some of the tracks and the unique personality that Rossen puts into his guitar playing really nods to Smith's own skills. It's tough to say whether this is simply a one-off or the beginning for a solo career since Grizzly Bear is actually rumored to release a new album this year. One thing is clear though, we'll be hearing from Daniel Rossen in one form or another and for that I am excited.
Favorite Tracks: Silent Song, Saint Nothing
You Slut! - Medium Bastard
Coming in at just barely over 25 minutes, You Slut! provide a quick jab to the ears with their instrumental math rock. Memorable, complex and not over-bearing, the band arrange their songs in an effortless manner that kept me both satisfied and wanting more at the same time. Some of the songs are extremely gorgeous and literally made me stop in my tracks at times to question if what I was hearing was really going on. On the other side of the spectrum You Slut! also create some very heavy sounding songs, so the balance of the album is kept and saves it from monotony. Overall a great release that I will hopefully grow to appreciate more.
Favorite Tracks: Fifzteen, Let's Do 'Do The What Now?' Now, Shopping Placenta
Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory
The closest thing I've heard that resembled 90's emo and post-hardcore to an almost eerie extent. I'll never fathom how exactly Cloud Nothings came from, what I think was, shitty lo-fi indie pop into the fully fledged beast they CAN be. Granted, not all of the songs here are amazing or in-your-face as I'd like, some even annoy the fuck out of me ('Fall In'). But if this album is just a taste of what is to come, I can wait.
Favorite tracks: No Future/No Past, Wasted Days, Stay Useless
Obvious choice really, but I'll be damned if I haven't heard another release that has exceeded all my expectations. I enjoyed Exmilitary quite a bit last year but I credit The Money Store in only adding to my appreciation for that release.
But aside from that, The Money Store itself is an excellent release that is worthy of its hype and praise. Essentially expanding upon the noise hip-hop sound that their previous release touched upon, this album simply pushes the boundaries of what is actually considered 'hip-hop' all while being catchy as fuck. I guarantee this will be on my end of the year list and the best part is Death Grips have one more album to release this year.
Favorite tracks: Lost Boys, Hacker, Get Got, Double Helix, Bitch Please, The Fever (Aye Aye)
Protip: I pretty much love the entire thing.
Moonface - With Siinai: Heartbreaking Bravery
I had a huge revival of Spencer Krug's sadly in-hiatus band Sunset Rubdown just recently this year while replaying both Shut Up I am Dreaming and Random Spirit Lover and grew a huge new love for Dragonslayer after previously only enjoying a few tracks. Needless to say, I never really cared much about his Moonface project, thinking it was just something to pass the time while he would eventually return to Sunset Rubdown in a year or so.
Well it's been about three years and Sunset Rubdown is indefinitely stuck in 2009 while Moonface is releasing their second album, Heartbreaking Bravery. Color me surprised when I find out that this new release bears no resemblance to Sunset Rubdown's mythical prog rock leanings. Well I wasn't actually surprised, but what did was the sheer emotional nature of this album. I have to say, this is a SAD record (I dare you not to feel anything on the album closer 'Lay Your Cheek On Down').
Krug sings directly and the songs are huge, muscular, and repetitive until you get the picture of no hope. While I can understand if this isn't a hit at parties, it certainly gives me something to party about as I await the next evolution for Spencer Krug's musical career.
Favorite Tracks: Heartbreaking Bravery, Yesterday's Fire, Shitty City, Lay Your Cheek On Down
Portico Quartet - Portico Quartet
A nice blend of electronics with modern jazz sounds, Portico Quartet's self-titled album is complex and layered as it is organic and effortless. This album provides some very memorable songs and soundscapes that incorporate a healthy mix of electronic and acoustic instruments that will capture your imagination. One of the earliest releases that I got into this year and will definitely be heard throughout the rest of it.
Favorite tracks: Rubidium, Spinner, Lacker Boo, Steepless
Kayo Dot - Gamma Knife
The latest release by experimental band Kayo Dot was actually one of the earliest new releases I heard this year and while I really want to consider it an album that is more than the sum of its parts, there are a lot of things from keeping it from being memorable. The production is very flat due to being recorded mostly from live performances, and if that isn't enough, the majority of the album is mixed too messily to really piece out what is going on. These factors sadly make much of the album seem like a giant blur rather than separate songs.
Yet even with these setbacks there are good points throughout, the unique brand of experimental metal that Kayo Dot is known for is pretty much present and is still enjoyable, the opening track 'Lethe' is extremely beautiful and is easily the best track, and the album itself doesn't overstay it's short welcome. All in all, a decent release that for some reason holds a soft spot in me.
Favorite tracks: Lethe, Mirror Water Lightning Night, Gamma Knife
Daniel Rossen - Silent Hour/Golden Mile EP
A short and sudden release by Department of Eagles/Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen, Silent Hour/Golden Mile serves as a sort of snapshot for the singer-songwriter's current direction. Filled to the brim with bright, beautiful and punchy acoustic guitar, shimmering woodwinds and brass, and Rossen's rich vocal, the release could easily pass off as either of his two projects.
But what sets this release apart is this paradoxical sense of intimacy that you wouldn't expect from what sounds like 'full band' songs. Personally, I'm reminded of Elliot Smith's 'full band' releases on some of the tracks and the unique personality that Rossen puts into his guitar playing really nods to Smith's own skills. It's tough to say whether this is simply a one-off or the beginning for a solo career since Grizzly Bear is actually rumored to release a new album this year. One thing is clear though, we'll be hearing from Daniel Rossen in one form or another and for that I am excited.
Favorite Tracks: Silent Song, Saint Nothing
You Slut! - Medium Bastard
Coming in at just barely over 25 minutes, You Slut! provide a quick jab to the ears with their instrumental math rock. Memorable, complex and not over-bearing, the band arrange their songs in an effortless manner that kept me both satisfied and wanting more at the same time. Some of the songs are extremely gorgeous and literally made me stop in my tracks at times to question if what I was hearing was really going on. On the other side of the spectrum You Slut! also create some very heavy sounding songs, so the balance of the album is kept and saves it from monotony. Overall a great release that I will hopefully grow to appreciate more.
Favorite Tracks: Fifzteen, Let's Do 'Do The What Now?' Now, Shopping Placenta
Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory
The closest thing I've heard that resembled 90's emo and post-hardcore to an almost eerie extent. I'll never fathom how exactly Cloud Nothings came from, what I think was, shitty lo-fi indie pop into the fully fledged beast they CAN be. Granted, not all of the songs here are amazing or in-your-face as I'd like, some even annoy the fuck out of me ('Fall In'). But if this album is just a taste of what is to come, I can wait.
Favorite tracks: No Future/No Past, Wasted Days, Stay Useless
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)