Finally Friday Video's Part IX

I'm a bit low on inspiration for this weekly tradition, so I'd like you to help me out! If you have a video you believe everyone should see, email me at filetransfercomplete@gmail.com.

I'm In Love (With Arthur Dove)

I once visited the renowned Guggenheim museum in New York together with my brother. As we were watching paintings by famous artist like 'what's his face' and 'that other guy' (namedropping isn't appropiate here, cause I'm not sure if I really saw paintings by Monet and Picasso...I suck) , I came to the following conclusion: this is not my thing. That's not to say I don't like art at all...I would love having something by Kurt Halsey (see image below) or Derek Hess, on my wall, but the importance (or essence if you will) of these paintings in the Guggenheim was lost on me. To me, if a painting looks good and/or brings out feelings, then it is a good painting. That's it, I don't care if it's abstract or modern or whatever.

It is therefore not surprising that I'd never heard about Arthur Dove (1880-1946), one of America's first abstract painters. Still, for a few weeks now I can't stop singing these six words: I'm in love with Arthur Dove. The reason for this is the irresistible equally titled song by the band Portastatic. The chorus in this song is so insanely catchy that it took me at least 10 listens before I noticed the rest of the song. It's a good indierocking song leaning somewhat to classic rock even(!), but the chorus...oh the chorus is so awesome! Actually, now that I think of it, the first couple of listens I just kept playing the singing harmony in the intro over and over again...like an addiction.

Now sing along all y'all!

Portastatic - I'm in love (with Arthur Dove)
Portastatic on MySpace

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Choosing a name for your band is a delicate manner which should not be taken lightly. A well chosen name can trigger curiosity while a less succesful choice can create aversion against your band before you're even listened to. I'm a sucker for good bandnames. When I came across a band called Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, I just had to check them out. Now, a good bandname does not always equal good music. In this case I have to say that I really like their name, but I love their music. Though this band is only their early twenties, they write indiepop gems like it's all they ever did.

Last month, a remastered version of their wonderful 2005 debut 'Broom' has been released. While the single 'Oregon Girl' (watch video below) scores high on the instant likeability factor, the other songs on this album are also really worthwhile. Sure...some people might find this kind of music boring, but that's probably because they're not paying enough attention to the craftmanship that is being shown in these songs. For example, listen to 'I am Warm & Powerful'. One minute into the song non believers will say : "This is boring, turn it off, let me listen to Mötley Crüe". Then at 1:15, a great hook kicks in and you say to this person: "Not bad eh?", to which the non believer will probably response by making a noise that could be interpreted as "Maybe". Okay, I'm not saying that everybody will like this, but there are so many hooks on this album, that it's definitely worth checking out!


Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - I am Warm & Powerful
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Oregon Girl
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin on MySpace