This week's (and for all you know the next couple of weeks) comes from the past month of furiously trying to seek out new music, which is such a damn time consuming chore. The result is some new stuff, some slightly old stuff (by a month or so) but overall a great companion to the oncoming beauty of summer.
1. Port O'Brien - I Woke Up Today -- off the upcoming All We Could Do Was Sing. I heard this song on a Cornerstone Promotions sampler I got at SXSW. A little research tells me (and subsequently you) that this is about the third incarnation of this song... and it is so stinking catchy that I once spent an entire 30 minute car ride with it on repeat. In one month is has yet to get old. That speaks volumes for it's crafting. Port O'Brien is from out West (let's generally say NorCal), and have a release called The Wind and The Swell which I have not heard, but soon will (you should go ahead and go for it, too). All We Could Do Was Sing is out May 13th and is their first studio album. Something to look forward to in May (besides Iron Man, Indiana Jones and My Birthday).
2. Ruby Suns - Kenya Dig It? -- off recent release Sea Lion. Up for not only song of the year for me, but also title of the year. I recently had the pleasure of seeing them live twice, once at SXSW then on a tour they were supporting. As you can tell from the title, they are quirky and charming, and watching them live you find it hard not to fall for both characteristics. Not to mention they're a three piece! What sound they manage to create! Lead man Ryan McPhun is the genious that creates most of the tunes, Amee Robinson wears sparkly dresses and Imogen Taylor has an awesome name (and plays the flute). They're all multi-instrumentalists and they're all enviable in their own way. The whole album is pleasant on the ears, and hailing from New Zealand, they've managed to combine every possible sound you can imagine to create what I will forever hope the tiny nation sounds like. (note: if in fact, NZ does sound like Ruby Suns I want to live there)
3. Rademacher - If You Got Some Magic -- off of their first full length, Stunts. I heard this randomly somewhere, I don't even remember where, but it caught my ear and managed to stick around for the ensuing month and a half until I finally gathered the consciousness to look them up and find the track. I can't speak for the full album (soon I will though, you can order it here), but this song sounds about as timeless as a trip to the Grand Canyon (which hopefully stays timeless). They hail from Fresno, CA and have produced some EPs before Stunts (all by themselves). As soon as I get the full length in the mail, I'll let you know. Unless of course you want to go ahead and see for yourself (again, here).
4. The Boticellis - Up Against The Glass -- off of the upcoming Home Movies (I think). I know absolutely nothing about this band other than that they're from California. They sound like they're from England, and I love that. I also love this song, can't. stop. listening.
5. Fanfarlo - Fire Escape -- off of a single called Fire Escape/We Live By The Lake. These guys should become massive amongst the Arcade Fire-loving individuals in the States. I saw them at SXSW and, besides having a very cute violinist, they were almost too talented. They're from the UK and play tight, sophisticated pop. It's all happy. I almost can't say much more. Here's a little acoustic performance they did for the Tripwire during SXSW:
6. White Shoes & The Couples Company - Brother John -- off their self-titled album out on Minty Fresh. This band was THE surprise for me at this year's SXSW. I know they are a little gimmicky, what with the heavy 70's Indonesian film/lounge influence, but listen to this and tell me that it ain't catchy and fun to listen to. Seeing them live, which is a treat here in the States (they hardly ever come over as they're from Jakarta), is something else; and drummer John Navid is a freaking madman on those jazzy drums of his. Not to mention the overall sexiness of lead singer Aprilla Apsari. There are many tracks on the album worthy of your time this summer, while in the tropics, on the lake, at the local swimming hole, or just driving with the top down. You'll be smiling that's for sure.
Ahh, that felt good.
2. Ruby Suns - Kenya Dig It? -- off recent release Sea Lion. Up for not only song of the year for me, but also title of the year. I recently had the pleasure of seeing them live twice, once at SXSW then on a tour they were supporting. As you can tell from the title, they are quirky and charming, and watching them live you find it hard not to fall for both characteristics. Not to mention they're a three piece! What sound they manage to create! Lead man Ryan McPhun is the genious that creates most of the tunes, Amee Robinson wears sparkly dresses and Imogen Taylor has an awesome name (and plays the flute). They're all multi-instrumentalists and they're all enviable in their own way. The whole album is pleasant on the ears, and hailing from New Zealand, they've managed to combine every possible sound you can imagine to create what I will forever hope the tiny nation sounds like. (note: if in fact, NZ does sound like Ruby Suns I want to live there)
3. Rademacher - If You Got Some Magic -- off of their first full length, Stunts. I heard this randomly somewhere, I don't even remember where, but it caught my ear and managed to stick around for the ensuing month and a half until I finally gathered the consciousness to look them up and find the track. I can't speak for the full album (soon I will though, you can order it here), but this song sounds about as timeless as a trip to the Grand Canyon (which hopefully stays timeless). They hail from Fresno, CA and have produced some EPs before Stunts (all by themselves). As soon as I get the full length in the mail, I'll let you know. Unless of course you want to go ahead and see for yourself (again, here).
4. The Boticellis - Up Against The Glass -- off of the upcoming Home Movies (I think). I know absolutely nothing about this band other than that they're from California. They sound like they're from England, and I love that. I also love this song, can't. stop. listening.
5. Fanfarlo - Fire Escape -- off of a single called Fire Escape/We Live By The Lake. These guys should become massive amongst the Arcade Fire-loving individuals in the States. I saw them at SXSW and, besides having a very cute violinist, they were almost too talented. They're from the UK and play tight, sophisticated pop. It's all happy. I almost can't say much more. Here's a little acoustic performance they did for the Tripwire during SXSW:
6. White Shoes & The Couples Company - Brother John -- off their self-titled album out on Minty Fresh. This band was THE surprise for me at this year's SXSW. I know they are a little gimmicky, what with the heavy 70's Indonesian film/lounge influence, but listen to this and tell me that it ain't catchy and fun to listen to. Seeing them live, which is a treat here in the States (they hardly ever come over as they're from Jakarta), is something else; and drummer John Navid is a freaking madman on those jazzy drums of his. Not to mention the overall sexiness of lead singer Aprilla Apsari. There are many tracks on the album worthy of your time this summer, while in the tropics, on the lake, at the local swimming hole, or just driving with the top down. You'll be smiling that's for sure.
Ahh, that felt good.
3 comments:
Kyle, YES. I'm happy to say that I'm familiar with none of these bands. I love the Fanfarlo video. Great selections as always! I really appreciate your Music Mondays.
i can't wait to go home and listen to all of this! have i mentioned that i have a "Kyle's music" playlist on my iPod and i listen to it more frequently than i should probably admit.
and i'm with anton... aside from one band, this is all new to me. i'm excited.
Mmm, I'm really digging this latest installment of Music Monday! These tunes really pepped up my morning.
Agreed, searching out new music is a damn time-consuming chore. That's why I just let people like you do it for me :)
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