There was a time in my youth where I had assumed the practice of making fists. I was learning self-defense so it was necessary. I learned that in order for your fingers to fit perfectly into your palm, ---- you had to curl your fingers -- strategically. Knuckles rounded, fingers tucked, nails clipped. I was ready to punch with false force into pleather wrapped cushion targets.
Making fists never became a daily practice. Over time, as I reached my teen years, the muscle and co-ordination I developed deteriorated. I was left with atrophied, weak wrists. This happens when you decide you'd rather delve into music and bury your self-esteem, identity and autonomy into the music you kept. -------------------------------------------------------------
He is set to perform on TED Conference, March 2nd, 2011. I love the program, they hold some of my favourite speakers, artists, and performers -- who all can inspire someone. I can't wait to see his performance.
He is also releasing his "Swanlights EP" (which I intend to buy) on April 16th, Record Store Day I love the album art Tracklisting:
Swanlights Find The Rhythm Of Your Love Kissing Noone Swanlights OPN edit
I'm hoping he would do a North American Tour with a Vancouver date soon.
This year-- has been my favourite, and I think it may have to do with the music that was released. The music released this year was bold, brave and interesting. All the artists that I have listened to this year have had in their own way manifested themselves into my 2010 memories. I made an effort to expand my music collection and pleasantly found new artists to become utterly obsessed with. My most cherished memories of the music in 2010 are associated with the shows that I attended. - Having blindly bought a ticket to CocoRosie's show in Vancouver, it has made me an avid and hopefully permanent admirer. - Seeing Matt and Kim live made me so appreciative of their efforts to keep in touch with fans. - Having witnessed the magic that is Sufjan Stevens in a seated theatre, I can safely say that I want to steal his dance moves. - Dancing at the Scissor Sisters outdoors show in the rain brought new definition to "Skin Tight" The shows I attended this year were by far the most exciting and musically moving -- they also include Pheonix, You Say Party, City and Colour, Tegan and Sara, Coeur de Pirate, Stars, Joanna Newsom, The National, Metric and I also have to include --- The incredibly funny Margaret Cho. ---------------------------------------------------
I thought about doing a "Top 10 Albums of the Year" type of list... But that seems to leave out so many albums. So I decided to mention albums which have helped me through hours of transit travel, walks to and from school, and down time where the only sounds I would allow myself to hear were the noises from my headphones. Music. Here are some records I kept on heavy rotation in my headphones and in some respects, I can safely say have helped me through stressful periods between and during College classes.
1. ANTONY AND THE JOHNSONS - SWANLIGHTS FAVOURITE TRACK: GHOST
I was so excited to hear Antony's album Swanlights. Antony's vocals has always had a profound effect on me. I turn into an emotional bubble and find it difficult to comprehend how such beautiful sounds can come from this one man. His piano melodies and powerfully unique vocals bring a persuasion in which I can only attempt to dissect. This album was one of the highlights for me this year, the album as a whole was a great record to listen to while traveling. The added scenery to this epic music is recommended-- Antony takes you on a journey. Where you will end up is entirely dependent on your own personal experience with Swanlights.
Antony and the Johnsons - Swanlights
2. BEACH HOUSE - TEEN DREAM FAVOURITE TRACK: ZEBRA
Brilliant. Great new discovery for me, I thoroughly enjoy this album. The raspy vocals and melodic instrumentation make for a feel good album full of sentimental songs about love, loss and life. Reminds me of the 90's, nostalgic. Beach House
Beach House - Zebra
lk3. BEST COAST - CRAZY FOR YOU FAVOURITE TRACK: HONEY
A friend of mine recommended I listen to Best Coast, I took her advice--- and I am so glad I did. I was ranting about the lack of current female fronted rock bands and here is a band that gives me hope. Entering the indie pop/rock music scene in 2009, their lo-fi sound and fuzzy yet raw vocals clash with electric riffs and drum beats. Their first full-length Crazy For You makes me excited to hear more. They remind me of Hole or Garbage, they're reminiscent of that spirit of strong female leads-- and it makes me like them all the more.
I was a casual listener of CocoRosie before their album Grey Oceans was released. Having seen them live, I see the appeal. What attracts me to their music is not so much their musical skill. They are not fantastic singers. It's who they present themselves to be that attracts me to their work. Their persona's are what draws me in, their stories are what I attach myself to, their performances are what I try to grasp. They are anti-conservative, radical, non-conventional thinkers, the perfect traits of artists. Their first three records pulled at my heart strings in ways I can't explain, their songs are full of fantastic stories about fairies, animals and obviously, their experiences. I will always associate the year 2010 with the re-introduction of CocoRosie into my music collection. I became an avid music listener of their experimental instrumentation which melts imperfectly into Bianca's sing-speak raps and Sierra's operatic vocals.
CocoRosie - Smokey Taboo
5. LISSIE - CATCHING A TIGER FAVOURITE TRACK: IN SLEEP Her vocals are killer, so good--- I like to describe it as dirty country. Melting classic-rock-blues-country.
6. FENCES - FENCES FAVOURITE TRACK: MY GIRL THE HORSE
Chris Mansfield's music makes me so sad most of the time. Sometimes though, the sadness in his voice and music brings across a sweet disposition of tender loving lyrics and self-deprecation. You need an even amount of both those binaries to function properly--- or else, you'll be so damn sad, you'll find yourself lying on your floor curled up in the fetal position crying silently to yourself with Fences' music coming from your headphones.
Fences - Girls With Accents
7. FOUR TET - THERE IS LOVE IN YOU FAVOURITE TRACK: ANGEL ECHOES
His latest release brings about sounds of electronic beats mixed with delicate hums and mutters. The first song on There Is Love In You titled "Angel Echoes" left me speechless. I was in a place of tranquil and stillness. It's euphoric, and brings my imagination to places where only hope, happiness and Utopian ideals exist. Is that crazy, that this one song can make me feel this way? Four Tet continues to create music that moves listeners and brings across a calm. This is an ideal album for running, if you're going someplace and need a soundtrack, There Is Love In You is perfect.
Four Tet - Angel Echoes
8. LIGHT ASYLUM - IN TENSION EP FAVOURITE TRACK: DARK ALLIES
I first heard Shannon Funchess' vocals in another Brooklyn band called Durty Nanas. They embody block parties and community celebration. Light Asylum is her project with another musical partner her electronic yet eerie songs are translated into this EP. Although it is only four-tracks long, the songs themselves have feel good beats, mixed with dark and subversive lyrics. I remember listening to this on long transit rides, the songs are so upbeat yet lyrically dark.
Light Asylum - Dark Allies
9. MELISSA AUF DER MAUR - OUT OF OUR MINDS FAVOURITE TRACK: 1000 YEARS I think I would describe her sound as strong, catastrophic and chaotically unique.
Melissa Auf Der Maur - Out of Our Minds
10. THE NATIONAL - HIGH VIOLET FAVOURITE TRACK: CONVERSATION 16
I finally had the opportunity to see The National live this year. They certainly delivered a show full of their antics, Matt wringing his fingers--walking awkwardly on stage alongside a full band with perfect musicality. Did I forget to mention that his baritone vocals carried out across the entire audience-- it gave me goosebumps. This album was one of my favourites this year and I played High Violet on rotation for months.
Delicate piano melodies -- muttered vocals reminding me of Sigur Ros -- lyrics are quirky and sentimental. What is there not to like about a debut album full of personal tragedies, loves and ultimately - sentiments.
Perfume Genius - Learning
12. SHARON VAN ETTEN - EPIC FAVOURITE TRACK: PEACE SIGN
I fell in love with her 2009 release Because I Was In Love and was so excited to hear she would release this album this year. What drew me to her music was ultimately her songwriting. They are heart-felt and full of emotion, this is carried across in her whispered-vocals. I can't even bring myself to try and describe her music. You can listen to herDAYTROTTER SESSION, it's almost perfect. Sharon Van Etten - NPR Tiny Desk Concert
13. JOANNA NEWSOM - HAVE ONE ON ME FAVOURITE TRACK: GO LONG
I saw her play live for the first time this year. I sat in my chair on edge for most of the show. I listened to the delicate and profound sounds coming from the musicians on stage. I loved her music even more after I saw her live. Joanna Newsom - '81
14. THE JEZABELS - DARK STORM EP FAVOURITE TRACK: A LITTLE PIECE From Australia - With Love
The Jezabels - Dark Storm
15. JONSI - GO FAVOURITE TRACK: BOY LILIKOI For all things Jonsi, you must visit his website - and perhaps browse his Media section
Jonsi - Go Do
Some other great records I loved this year-- not all were released in 2010: Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can
Npr.org is now streaming Antony and the Johnsons new record 'Swanlights' in its entirety until October 12th! I am so excited to listen to this. LISTEN HERE
Antony and the Johnsons new record will be out October 12th, SWANLIGHTS. Tracklisting: 1. Everything Is New 2. The Great White Ocean 3. Ghost 4. I'm In Love 5. Violetta 6. Swanlights 7. The Spirit Was Gone 8. Thank You For Your Love 9. Fietta (a duet with Bjork) 10. Salt Silver Oxygen 11. Christina's Farm
The Special Edition "Swanlights" will include the CD inside a 144 page hardcover book containing Antony's paintings, and artwork... I really want this.
He also released a five-track EP "Thank You For Your Love," I picked it up a few weeks ago, it's gorgeous and I am so excited to hear his full-length in October. 1. Thank You For Your Love 2. You Are The Treasure 3. My Lord The Love 4. Pressing On 5. Imagine
What is also so gorgeous about this EP is that it features photographs of Antony when he first arrived in New York as a teenager in the early 90's.
Thank You For Your Love - Antony and the Johnsons (This video contains footage that Antony shot when he arrived in New York City in the 90's)
CocoRosie played a Daytrotter Sessions in August and it has become one of my favourites. So beautiful and strange, yet wonderful and magical. Their contrasting voices melt perfectly together and their eclectic instrumentation creates a musical world unlike any other. I think they are Brilliant. I hope you will too. -------------------------------------- The Moon Asked the Crow Fatherhood (Unreleased) R.I.P Burn Face Lemonade Fairy Paradise -- (So Good) DAYTROTTER
I have talked about CocoRosie endlessly to anyone who would listen to me rave about their music. I think this session is perfect in introducing new listeners to their music. At the core, it's really their music that makes them so unique... or maybe it is who they are as artists, performers, musicians and fairy hunters. I find their entire persona, character, music so interesting and inspiring. If I were brave I would assemble myself to be somewhat outrageous. Whether it be through clothing attire or make-up, speech or expression. I think CocoRosie have in their own way perfected that for themselves. Until then I can only feign courage by wearing somethinglike this.
Carrie Brownstein's new band WILD FLAG. Along with former Sleater Kinney drummer Janet Weiss, Mary Timony, and Rebecca Cole. We can expect an album out early next year. Facebook them HERE
Also, to prepare ourselves for Wild Flag I suggest you go NPR.ORG and listen to the live Sleater Kinney concert, they performed at the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C, this was recorded on August 3rd of 2006. They played for nearly 2 hours... I can only wish that I could have been there. Listening to it now, I can only describe it as epically dirty. Which means it's something everyone should have a listen to. Close your eyes... and have your own little air guitar-drumming session right there in your bedroom. Go Ahead.
With 2009 coming to an end I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to talk about the memorable records released this year that I listened to almost obsessively and learned all the lyrics to. This year marked the birth of new records, discovery of new bands and the continuation of great interesting music. This year for me personally has been quite interesting. I graduated from High School and began the terrifying journey into College. So far the experience hasn't been all that painful. With the help of these records the transitions haven’t left any scars. Or not any that I can see.
Antony and the Johnsons - The Crying Light Metric - Fantasies Tegan and Sara - Sainthood Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It’s Blitz! You Say Party! We Say Die! - XXXX The Xx - Xx Fucked Up - The Chemistry of the Common Life Gentleman Reg - Jet Black Gossip - Music For Men Regina Spektor - Far
These 10 albums really marked the year for me. I can go back and listen to any one of these artists and remember a significant time this year. All of these albums of 2009 at different times of the year were on full rotation on my iTunes and my iPod. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also the Concerts I’ve been to this year
Broken Social Scene/Tegan and Sara – February 6th at the Orpheum Theatre Favourite moments include: Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl The Happiness Project: Genius
Warped Tour – August 14th at UBC Thunderbird Stadium I'll always remember the Alexisonfire fans leaving the pit covered in blood. Gross
Death cab For Cutie w/ The New Pornographers & Ra Ra Riot – July 17th at the Pacific Coliseum Transatlanticism gave me goosebumps.
Tegan and Sara w/ An Horse & Aiden Knight – September 25th in Victoria at Alix Goolden Hall It was an adventure -> In a nutshell we had 6 hours to plan: in that 6 hours we accomplished this: - Packed the necessities for a night in Victoria - Travel to the ferry terminal -> 1.5 hour wait - Arrive in Victoria -> haul ass and bus to Downtown - Find the venue -> we arrive 15 minutes before doors at 7 - Get into venue, RELAX Post concert: - Lost - Over-priced dinner at Moxie - Midnight snacks and unhealthy breakfast choices at 7/11 - $50 taxi ride to find our secluded house Next morning: - Lost -> bus to ferry terminal -> 12 - Arrive in Vancouver at 2:45 -> Work @ Saveon at 4. Fail You can watch the ENTIRE concertHERE
Regina Sepktor w/ Jupiter One – November 2nd at the Orpheum Theatre A hectic dinner sprinkled with nerves and late arrivals with tickets. From Russia with Love. Most definately. Breathtaking. I had chills during Samson and Infidelity.
Metric w/ Zeus – November 3rd at the Orpheum Theatre Energy driven, musically sounding and body moving.
I don’t think this counts, but... The Xx – November 26th at Zulu Records I wanted to see them at the Commodore, but this intimate acoustic performance will have to do. They sounded even better live than on record.
If I were 19 I’m sure this list would be longer. But alas, being 18 has it’s qualms!
Tomorrow will be a continuation of this post with more music that I learned to love almost immediately.
When I feel particularly emotional, Antony Hegarty can pull on my heart strings. His voice is lavish, rich and unwavering. Imagine yourself standing in a room full of empty chairs. This music is playing and suddenly it doesn't matter that no one is there.
When I try to describe his sound, I can't seem to place it in a specific genre. It doesn't sound indie, rock or pop. Perhaps soul? His voice sounds like a chorus full of ambience and body. Movement in body, soul and emotion. He is one of those artists that makes music that appears and sound flawless.
I admire his bravery to redefine the gender roles and blur the lines of commonality.
In his lyrics we find a reoccurring image, a theme that revolves around searching for something beyond sorrow. There is a positivity that emerges in situations of sadness and conflict.
These lyrics especially: "Epilepsy is dancing She’s the Christ now departing And I’m finding my rhythm As I twist in the snow" ---- "Cut me in quadrants Leave me in the corner Oh now it’s passing Oh now I’m dancing"
I happened across his music a few years back and immediately thought:Passionate, Sincere and Raw. His lateset Record is entitle The Crying Light. http://www.myspace.com/antonyandthejohnsons
I have a tendency to become attached to certain albums. Its like a cycle of rotating discs. Some weeks I feel emotionally unstable and confused. Other days I feel angst and frustration. At times like these, I turn to these albums I've had on repeat these past few months:
Antony and The Johnsons - The Crying Light (2009) Listen
Port O'Brien - All We Could Do Was Sing (2007) Listen
These albums are brilliant in their respected genres. From beginning to end, the songs have a certain cohesive blanket. Like a comfortable wrist watch, fitted perfectly on your lanky secondary wrist.
