Far From Noise

Illustration borrowed from barkingbirdart

 
I may not be consistent but I’m not giving up! The whole daily/single song post thing just didn’t work for me. There are plenty of people already doing that and doing it way better than me. The mixtape format just suits me better. In an effort to make it a little less time consuming I’m just using the Yahoo media player. You can play the songs individually but it will also just play through all the songs if you let it continue. Enjoy.

1. Sunday by Field
   From: Los Angles, CA
   Album: Be Brave 
   I have to thank Angela for this song since I probably would have missed it otherwise. It’s a hopeful and upbeat song which I really appreciate these days. There is something about the voice that feels angelic to me which I find interesting since the song is named after a day of worship (well, at least the way I was taught). Field is Spencer Berger and I guess I should have heard of this guy. Apparently he wrote and starred in this movie that won quite a few awards last year, Skills Like This. Look for his debut record, Be Brave, to drop later this year. Look at the bottom of this post for the video to his other song, “I’m the Enforcer”. It’s not half bad.
   
   
2. The Darkest Side by The Middle East
   From: Australia
   Album: The Recordings of the Middle East 
   These guys have proven themselves in Australia for the past couple years and finally released this record state side last October. It’s a little long, but beautiful guitar picking and harmonies. I find the style unusual and I hope to hear more from them.
   
   
3. Let Go by jj
   From: Sweden
   Album: n° 3 
   jj released their debut album early last year and was just signed to an American label in December. This song follows “The Darkest Side” really well with it’s ethereal sound. Their sophomore release, n° 3, drops on March 9th.
   
   
4. Only Pieces by Here We Go Magic
   From: Brooklyn, NY
   Album: Here We Go Magic 
   This folk and electronic sound swirling around each other comes from Luke Temple under the band name Here We Go Magic. I feel like he was heavily influenced by Paul Simon for this song. This LP was released February of 2009 and we should see another one later this spring.
   
   
5. You Must Be Out Of Your Mind by The Magnetic Fields
   From: New York, NY
   Album: Realism 
   The vocals on this track makes me immediately think of the Crash Test Dummies. Remember that song “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”? The Magnetic Fields is the musical project of Stephin Merritt with different incarnations of band members and sound. Mostly recognized for a synthpop sound, Realism is the band’s third (and supposedly last) folk-pop LP and was just released this past January. Stephin Merritt is also known for his lyrics about love and loss and this song is especially humorous in that regard.
   
   
6. Bring It On Home To Me by Britt Daniel
   From: Portland, OR
   Album: Bridging The Distance 
   This is by no means a new song. Not only is it a remake of a Sam Cooke song from the 50’s, but Britt Daniel recorded this back in 2007. That doesn’t make it any less of an awesome song. If you don’t know, Britt is the lead singer of Spoon which is currently on tour for their latest release, Transference. Apparently Britt Daniel likes to take a break from the large stage and plays solo gigs once in awhile. I’m hoping he might be so inclined when they come to the Bay Area in April.
   
   
7. Teenage Girl by Darlings
   From: New York, NY
   Album: Yeah I Know 
   Jangle-rock…pop-rock…surf-rock…I don’t know but I like it. And they tear it up just for kicks once in awhile. If someone can tell me what they are saying in the chorus I’ll be your best friend. I want to know why this guy has the heart of a teenage girl. This came out August last year and expect to hear more from these guys.
   
   
8. Titus Andronicus Forever by Titus Andronicus
   Glen Rock, NJ
   Album: The Monitor 
   Titus Andronicus released their debut album, The Airing of Grievances, back in 2008 and was well received. The Monitor comes out March 9th and is ambitious to say the least. It’s a double LP entirely about the Civil War and almost every song is over 5 minutes long. There is an obvious post-punk sound but these guys are definitely doing something most bands aren’t willing to try.
   
   
9. IRM by Charlotte Gainsbourg
   From: Paris, Francs
   Album: IRM 
   Something about this song just drew me in and then when I heard that Beck wrote and produced it, well no wonder I like it. It’s like dark-pop. I’m bopping my head to it but it also has a hard industrial edge to it. Charlotte Gainsbourg is the daughter of Serge Gainsbourg and is apparently really famous in France…sorry but I don’t know him.
   
   
10. One Life Stand by Hot Chip
    From: London, England
    Album: One Life Stand 
    I always like to end with a driving beat if I can. Hot Chip is an electropop band that’s been around for awhile now. You can pick up their latest release digitally right now or pick up a physical copy after February 9th. They’re coming to the Fox in April with The xx and I read that jj is touring with The xx so I hope they will be there too.
    
    

And here’s Field’s new video:

Roger Mixtape, Music Britt Daniel, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Darlings, Field, Here We Go Magic, Hot Chip, jj, The Magnetic Fields, The Middle East, Titus Andronicus

I already broke the chain and missed a post yesterday. Doh! In an effort to make up, maybe I’ll post an extra one this weekend…or maybe I’ll change my plan and only post on weekdays so last weekend’s posts were extras. if you always move the bar, you are always right.

I first heard of The xx thanks to my usual source of new music over the past year. I didn’t really listen to them much until they started showing up on all of the “best of” lists this past month. Like any interesting artist, they spark debate amongst listeners. Some people think they are too sparse while others think they are just perfect. I happen to agree with the later. The sound is sparse and you might feel at first like it’s missing something, but as you listen you realize that every note is just right. Their debut album xx is a very strong first release.

This London based band is currently on tour with Hot Chip and will also be performing at the Fox in April. This particular song has been on repeat in my headphones for a few weeks now and something about the simplicity of it means that I never get tired of it. I think the open space just makes it feel relaxing and beautiful.

The xx – VCR

Roger Music The xx

I don’t really have a lot to say about this particular song or band. I’ve liked Spoon for awhile now and think they just release really good music. I know there are debates going on about their last few albums and if the band has changed. Ultimately, I think Spoon does a great job of exploring their own distinctive sound and sometimes it is more accessible, sometimes more pop-like, and sometimes more experimental. But no matter what, they are producing good music. On top of that, Britt Daniel’s vocals are distinctive and even I have to say, damn sexy. There is just something “rock n’ roll” about his voice.

Their 7th LP, Transference, will come out next week and from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t disappoint.

Spoon – Written in Reverse

They will be at the Fox Theater here in Oakland on April 13th with Deerhunter and Micachu & the Shapes (who I posted about last week). Tickets go on sale to the public this Sunday but you can get in on the presale here or here. Maybe I’ll see you at the show. :)

Roger Music Spoon

I saw this movie with my dear friend, Lani when it was playing in the theaters and really enjoyed it. There were mixed reviews floating around and even I was skeptical that a children’s picture-book with less than 50 pages could be made into a feature-length film. However, I have enjoyed Spike Jonze’s work on many, many occasions and was impressed from what I saw in the trailers as far as costumes and design. Then I saw an interview where Jonze claimed that he tapped into his own childhood and how he felt when he was 9 years old and I was sold.

It took me awhile to get that all the monsters represented the different emotions that Max was feeling but once it finally hit me, it all made sense. I guess I never really understood the book. The moment KW delivered the line “Please don’t go, we’ll eat you up, we love you so.” it just all sank in. All those crazy emotions we feel about our parents. The people that are supposed to protect us, nourish us, and make the world feel like everything is going to be okay. But when we feel like they aren’t doing what we need…well let’s just say there can be a lot of anger and fear. At the same time I can see how the parent would feel. Almost as if they are required to give entirely of themselves no matter the cost. Children or so selfish (I mean that in jest) …. but what choice do they have?

It wasn’t until the ending credits that I finally heard Karen O’s voice and I thought…did the Yeah Yeah Yeahs do the soundtrack? It doesn’t quite sound like them but her voice is so distinctive.

Karen O and the Kids – All is Love

Of course I looked it up as soon as I got home and apparently I was light-years behind everyone that already knew the soundtrack was awesome. Karen O And The Kids was the name of the group that Karen O put together in order to make the soundtrack. I’m sure you can hear the kids in that track and understand where the name came from. I also feel this song captures the same sentiment because it is all based in love. It may take different forms and fear and anger might cloud things once in awhile…but it’s all just love. Feeling it, wanting it, missing it.

Roger Music Karen O And The Kids

I don’t know if July Flames even come from Georgia but for some reason Colbert was the first person I thought of when I heard that Laura Veirs‘ new album is named after a peach.

I discovered this new release thanks to the NPR: Music Podcast. I’m a sucker for female singer/songwriters with melodic voices, so I really didn’t stand a chance. You won’t be disappointed if you give the whole LP a listen. Simply put, it’s beautiful, but Laura doesn’t rest on just her voice and lyrics. There are enough added elements to keep you interested and wanting more and most songs have a rich, full sound to them even though this is clearly a folk recording.

Laura Veirs – July Flame
Laura Veirs – Wide Eyed Legless

What I gleaned from the interview, Laura Veirs has made a name for herself across the pond but this CD is her big push to enter the US market. I also might just not have been listening very closely so feel free to correct me…but if it is true, c’mon America. It’s time we got on board.

Roger Music Laura Veirs

I tremble
They’re gonna eat me alive
If I stumble
They’re gonna eat me alive

Can you hear my heart beating like a hammer?
Beating like a hammer?

Metric – Help I’m Alive 

I first discovered Metric on a Jet Blue flight to Boston. Some channel I stumbled across had a live performance of theirs on and I recall seeing this hot chick wailing away on a keyboard. It’s probably the closest I’ve ever been to love-at-first-sight.

Metric released Fantasies back in April last year to mostly good reviews. I haven’t been following the band for a long time but I get the impression that this latest LP is a shift from previous efforts. A bit more introspective and not quite as upbeat.

The track I posted above is not actually about zombies but I figured if I opened with what I really think, it would appear that all I write about is struggling with life. There are definitely times when that voice in my head says, “Help, I’m alive.” I sent an email out to some close friends and family 4 months ago that said pretty much just that. The second after I hit “Send” I was scared shitless that I just did the worst possible thing EVER. People find it hard to talk about suicide and the feelings associated with it. They think it’s best to just not think about those things and put on a smile and keep going through life.

Within 24 hours the responses I got back were completely beyond what I could have hoped for. The compassion and understanding was really amazing. All my friends wanted to be there for me and most of them shared some experience they had with depression. Sometimes it was a family member or friend…sometimes it was something they dealt with in their past…and sometimes it was something they were struggling with right now. I was completely taken by surprise with the number of people that are/were affected by depression in some way. The support structure this has created for me has been invaluable and I can’t emphasize enough how important that one email has been in my life. So if there is anyone else out there reading this that might be struggling too…I know it isn’t easy, but have faith in your friends and family. Reach out and they will most likely surprise you.

Roger Music Metric

I’ll just apologize ahead of time for the snobbishness of what I’m about to type…

About two blocks from where I work is an old Sears building. It’s a giant, blocky building with a sign that lights up at night beckoning the non-existent late night shoppers in downtown Oakland. Upon entering this monstrous two story structure a wave of sadness washes over you due to the yellow fluorescent lighting and the sound of the employee’s dreams being crushed. I have no clue how it stays in business.

I needed to stop inside this dreary place to pick up some ramekins for a dessert I was making for Thanksgiving. Yes, I’m a guy and I own ramekins, eight of them, you want to make something of it? Anyways, one of the 6 people in this entire store happens to beat me to the cashier and since they so rarely have to actually sell anything, the process took a bit of time. I think she had to dust off the cash register and review the manual on how to remove those damn security tags attached to the clothing. So there I am standing in my one person line and you wouldn’t believe what I hear being piped through the store sound system:

Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks 

I was shocked but I eventually figured out that somehow Grizzly Bear had entered the mainstream conscious because I started hearing it at several random stores. I think the last one was Target.

Grizzly Bear is a quartet from Brooklyn, NY. Their latest release Veckatimest is a beautiful album all the way through. I’m not sure how to describe the sound because I would definitely say that it is mellow but there is this fullness and complexity lurking under the surface. Almost as if each song is being just slightly constrained and leaves you wanting more…in a good way.

I can’t talk about this song without mentioning Gabe Askew who made this truly amazing fan video for “Two Weeks”. It kicks the original video’s ass! Completely done within a computer but it looks like stop motion. I’ve watched it several times and I never get bored of it.

And finally, to just leave Sears in downtown Oakland on a good note, apparently someone/something is still watching over it and trying to make it beautiful.

Roger Music Grizzly Bear