Hercules and Love Affair

Image via The Guardian

The Guardian is now streaming Hercules and Love Affair's new album Blue Songs.

A friend of mine sent me this link --- and the new record is blowing my mind.
So Good

Have a listen to 'Blue Songs' and host a 90's themed dance party. Brings lots of confetti and neon coloured clothing. Head bands and glowsticks are mandatory.

KEXP Radio, Anyone?

KEXP 90.3 Seattle is a non-profit, non-commercial, member supported station. I frequent this station from time to time, the same way I frequent the CBC Radio 3 stream.

I don't normally listen to radio, nor would I think it necessary to mention them here.
But KEXP, is an exception.
I usually avoid radio stations because they play music that I couldn't care much for...
This is not to say that I don't enjoy music.
I'm the girl who takes transit with her headphones on.
I like to put a soundtrack to my travels.
The change of scenery allows time for me to dream up and imagine a world where only the music flowing from my headphones can exist in.

The music I listen to is particular, I tend to attach myself to a few musical groups at a time.
I'm not a very good multitasker --- this can be seen in my music selection.

The reason I'm mentioning KEXP --- is because they feature studio sessions of artists I listen to, it's a pleasant surprise. It is so rare to hear these artists on Vancouver radio.
On repeat, I would play Fences, CocoRosie, The Xx, Sharon Van Ettens, and all of them are featured on KEXP, their sessions are brilliant. It's always exciting to see musicians play in a setting where there are no flashing neon lights, falling confetti and bobbing heads to block your view.
These studio sessions showcase the artists' music in its raw, stripped down form.
My favourite.

Fences - From Russia With Love (Live on KEXP)


Fences - Sadie (Live on Kexp)

(Chris Mansfield's songs from Fences are rapidly becoming one of my favourites, simple.)

Recorded 12/28/10 - Host: John Richards
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen, Shelly Corbett
Audio: Kevin Suggs - Edits: Justin Wilmore
-------------------------------------------------------
Sharon Van Etten - Peace Signs (Live on Kexp)

Recorded 11/10/10 - Host: Cheryl Waters - Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Shelly Corbett, Justin Wilmore & Patrick Richardson Wright
Edits: Justin Wilmore
------------------------------------------------------
CocoRosie - Lemonade (Live on KEXP)


CocoRosie - Fairy Paradise (Live on KEXP)

(I've been waiting for this session to turn up -- always so great live)

Recorded 6/25/10 - Host: Cheryl Waters - Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Dan Torok, Justin Wilmore - Editing: Justin Wilmore

and many more sessions on their website -- Check It.

Glow Sticks and Drum Kicks

To keep with the tradition I seem to have started in the last post. The allure of glow stick effects in music videos have seem to have caught my eye.

Patrick Wolf - Hard Times (Directed by Ace Norton)


Patrick Wolf has always been to me, an eccentric and underrated artist.
He's quirky and imaginative.
This video is simple yet the effects of colours, lights and dark tones make my eyes think I'm seeing double.

Light Asylum - Dark Allies

Dark Allies - Light Asylum from Grant Worth on Vimeo.

"Dark Allies" by Light Asylum - Video by Grant Worth

I'm pretty impressed by this video. The light show it delivers gives off an 80's rave scene feel. Brooklyn's Light Asylum's song 'Dark Allies' sounds like a revived throwback to the 80's. Shannon Funchess' vocals are powerful and soulful--- The glow sticks and warped dancing creates a fantastical dance party for two and maybe more.

HOOD LUM (après noir)

If I could be anywhere in the world right now.
I would strongly consider being in Tokyo, Japan.

Bianca Casady's Art Exhibition Hood Lum (après noir) opens today, 01/09/11.

The following links direct you to information about the art show.
Too bad, most of it is in Japanese.

Exhibit
Info
Here

Are You A Believer?

The Believer Magazine.
You should perhaps consider reading the latest issue.
The articles are thoughtful.
The interviews are insightful.
The reviews are creative.
The artwork is brilliant.

I am obviously biased, because it's been a while since I've read an article that I want to read over, and over and over again.
This happens with The Believer, often.

You can check out their WEBSITE.

I was particularly excited to read the newest issue.
Not only is it the first issue of the new year.
But included in the issue --- is an interview with Bianca Casady of CocoRosie
If you knew anything about me, anything at all -- You would know that I think CocoRosie are Brilliant.

I've considered the idea of journalism being a satisfying career.
You pick at, question and inquire 'important' people and dig at interesting-controversial-relevant issues-- You inform people about world issues.
This is one of my favourite magazines - I think you'll like it too.

Favourite Muses of 2010

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.

Best Coast - Honey


4. COSOROSIE - GREY OCEANS
FAVOURITE TRACK: SMOKEY TABOO

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.

Lissie - When I'm Alone


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.

The National - Lemonworld


11. PERFUME GENIUS - LEARNING
FAVOURITE TRACK: LEARNING

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 her DAYTROTTER 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













Laura Marling - Hope In The Air by fadedglamourblog

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes - Up From Below













Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros - Home by RamonaRamona

The Coathangers - Scramble (2009)















WEBSITE


Florence + the Machine - Lungs













WEBSITE
Florence And The Machine - Between Two Lungs by outspoken

Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing in the Hands (2004)














WEBSITE
Devendra Banhart - Autumn's Child by user65925

Robyn - Body Talk












Robyn - Dancing On My Own by Ragged Words

Sia - We Are Born














Sia - I'm in Here by haibee_mirage

Kate Bush - Hounds of Love (1985)












Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill by napicool3

Smells Like Teen Spirit Meets Bikini Kill

I wish I could have been there.

Wainwright Does it Right

Rufus Wainwright
The Centre in Vancouver
November 26th, 2010

The Vancouver Sun Review
Photographs from the evening

Upon entering the theatre hall the opener Teddy Thompson was already on stage.
I was excited to see what Rufus had planned for that evening. The first half would be an applaudless performance with enticing projections on a huge backdrop. The songs performed were, I felt a commemoration to his mother, Kate McGarrigle who passed away early this year. A grand piano, and a spot-light on a caped Rufus Wainwright were the only visuals on stage, with the addition of the projections of a gothic, dark eye, opening and closing. In a word, the imagery was eerie. His performance included songs from his most recent release All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu. I admittedly had not heard it, but was pleasantly surprised at his earnest performance, it was dramatic and emotional. His musicality, vocals and piano = Perfect.

In the second portion of the night, we applauded after every song. The stage was littered with candles, romantic. He played favourites and crowd pleasers as a lone performer at his piano. In truth, all he needs is his piano and voice. It was outstanding, his range of vocals and melodies. It was a more light performance in contrast to his caped persona. He came out in an outfit that screamed "I'm right here!" and sang songs that commanded us to listen, watch and wait intently for that one line that would lead to to applause. His energy was contagious, his charm and wit between songs made the audience chuckle. The night was full of class and operatic-like tunes from Rufus.
Even when he was pulling a nose hair out of his nose.... he still has class, all bundled up into what makes an envious talent.

Rufus is a true performer who adds just enough drama to keep listeners wanting more.
He is on a North American Tour --- Check for dates on his website HERE

I Need Some Diamond Rings

This is my 100th post.
This is a celebratory post.
I celebrate this post with the help of Diamond Rings. Check it.



The Biltmore Caberet
November 20, 2010
Doors 7 - Show at 8 - Curfew at 11
Diamond Rings + Human + Teen Daze + Dbl. Dragon

The Biltmore
The venue was a great space for live music - great selection of seats - bar - warm decor and colours - all of this centred around the main stage. The state of the art sound and light systems provided exceptional sound the entire night. Was pleasantly surprised.

Dbl. Dragon
They opened the show with a set just under 30 minutes with catchy dance-rock-pop tracks. They had 2 drummers and it absolutely made their sound come across. The drummers and vocalist were delivering an impressive performance. Great sound, performance, music. It warmed everyone from the freezing chills outside.
Was probably my favourite act of the night, after Diamond Rings - o'course.

Teen Daze
Experimental band from right here in Vancougar played a 30 minute set full of synth driven tracks. Their sound reminded me of dreamy walks in the dark streets on Vancouver. They created a mood of calm, yet their sound had just enough drums, guitars and beats to have the audience dancing -- drinks in hand.
I was impressed. I'll definitely make an effort to see them play again.

Human
Two members took the stage before Diamond Rings and played electronic heavy songs backed by heavy basses. Interesting experimental, electronic sound balanced out with guitars, and vocals. They seemed to have the longest set... it may have been the excitement that was making everyone antsy in anticipation for the final act.

Diamond Rings - Website + Myspace

Diamond Rings' LP Special Affections was released October 2010 on Secret City.

Based out of Toronto - His electronic - experimental - 80's inspired sound recorded on this LP receives an impressive review from PITCHFORK ---

His performance at the Biltmore was surprisingly the shortest set of the night. It may have been due to the ridiculous curfew of 11pm that the venue set. Diamond Rings took the stage at around 10:30 and play a 30 minute set filled with his syncopated rhythms and beats playing from his macbook, and him on vocals and electric guitars or keys. The audiences' excitement was palpable and everyone body swayed, feet shuffled, body rolled with arms pumping for the entire set.
He graced the stage with gold glittery spandex leggings, and face make up that screams fierce!
I can't recall the order of the songs performed, but am sure he played Show Me Your Stuff, Something Else, and Wait & See

If you have the chance, absolutely check out Diamond Rings, he definitely puts on an energetic show - you are sure to have a fun time.

Stars May Have Lost Their Shimmer?

Photo Credit Here
Stars
The Vogue Theatre
Nov 4, 2010

The last time I saw Stars perform were on Nov 17, 2007 at the Commodore Ballroom.
That was a great evening, the sound was mixed well, the audience was enthusiastic and the live music was enjoyable.

I expected the same type of show at the Vogue Theatre. Admittedly, I hadn't quite listened to their new album Five Ghosts to a point where I had all their lyrics memorized as with their previous release. But nonetheless I was looking forward to a good show.

A friend and I went to Guu Gardens to grab a bite to eat before the show. We saw Amy Milan and crew seated in the restaurant as well. I soon found out as the night progressed that it would be the best moment of that night. A simple sighting completely trumps the show.... let me tell you why.

Once we set foot into the theatre we decided to stand up by the stage.
Once the opener Young Galaxy began I immediately felt uncomfortable... was it just me or was the sound coming from the speakers distorted?
My body core was vibrating so extremely that I felt anxiety rise in my chest.
Usually the bass/drums would cause our clothes and selves to vibrate and move. This usually happens at any live show were the instruments and vocals were mixed well. I was expecting this.
Instead, the sound of the keys and synths created waves of nausea to set inside me.
The sound was so unfortunate and it really ruined the night for me.
I could hardly hear the vocals -- the sythns and keys were TOO loud, guitars not loud enough. I didn't think the sound was mixed well at all. I'm not an expert, but I could have used more vocals.

To add to my discomfort with the sound, the audience really did not help. One in particular thought that claiming space would, what, give them more wiggle room for their very slim body type? I would love to forget this night ever happened. I've been to enough shows to understand that concert etiquette is not hard to understand. Don't push in front of people and increasingly make a point to claim more space. What an irritating experience.

This is not to say that Stars' performance was lacking at all. Visually Torquil Campbell and Amy Milan had great stage presence. They were full of energy and were both great performers. Torquil was working up quite a sweat, needless to say it was very "rockstar" like. Amy Milan worked the stage in 4 inch heels, we later found out that she's 5 months pregnant! I had no idea, she was glowing on stage.... and that may be why. They played old songs and new had great energy, they also had an small intermission midway through their set and played 2 acoustic songs. It was magical.
It was a great show to watch and be absorbed in. Unfortunately the sound, for me anyway, really brought the night down.

Maybe if Stars were to come to perform in Vancouver again on their next leg of their tour --- I may consider going if they were to play a different venue.

(It's funny because some of my favourite concert memories were at The Vogue Theatre, Joanna Newsom - Amazing. ---- I don't know what happened this time around. Was it the venue/sound/band? --- maybe just my ears?