Video: Black Flag - TV Party
Friday, April 20, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Anticipated Records Do Not Dissapoint...Or Do They?
Oh seven is a year of highly anticipated records. Some of the best releases of 2005 have their follow up lined up this year. The New Pornographers will release their new one in august, Be Your Own Pet has started working on a new album and some albums have already been released. Do these albums live up to their high expectations? Here are my thought on some of them.
The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
The internet buzz surrounding this album was almost scary. However, the band made a great album, a little less daunting than on Funeral, but much better than what I expected.
Video: The Arcade Fire - Keep The Car Running (Live)
Bright Eyes - Cassadega
Most mature Bright Eyes record to date and that's not a bad thing. There's still emotional intensity but packed in a somewhat different form and with a thicker production. Call it Americana or country or folk or something in between...I like this...a lot!
Video: Bright Eyes - Four Winds
The National - Boxer
An album less rocking than their previous effort (Alligator). However, the songs on this album suits the singer's distinct voice perfectly. Special stuff!
The Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes and The National had to fight against almost unrealistic expectations. With that in mind, I have nothing but the utmost respect voor these artist for putting out yet another great album. If you haven't fallen in love with these artists yet, this is the time to jump on the wagon!
Mp3:
The National - Fake Empire
Oh yeah, on a more negative note...the new Fountains of Wayne record....not so good.
The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
The internet buzz surrounding this album was almost scary. However, the band made a great album, a little less daunting than on Funeral, but much better than what I expected.
Video: The Arcade Fire - Keep The Car Running (Live)
Bright Eyes - Cassadega
Most mature Bright Eyes record to date and that's not a bad thing. There's still emotional intensity but packed in a somewhat different form and with a thicker production. Call it Americana or country or folk or something in between...I like this...a lot!
Video: Bright Eyes - Four Winds
The National - Boxer
An album less rocking than their previous effort (Alligator). However, the songs on this album suits the singer's distinct voice perfectly. Special stuff!
The Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes and The National had to fight against almost unrealistic expectations. With that in mind, I have nothing but the utmost respect voor these artist for putting out yet another great album. If you haven't fallen in love with these artists yet, this is the time to jump on the wagon!
Mp3:
The National - Fake Empire
Oh yeah, on a more negative note...the new Fountains of Wayne record....not so good.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Show Review: Camera Obscura @ De Balie, April 15th
Last night's show was planned at Paradiso, but for logistical purposes was moved to the nearby "De Balie". Definitely not a bad decision, because this venue -normally used as a theatre- perfectly suited the intimacy of Camera Obscura's show.
I really didn't have any expectations from the show, but I was pretty impressed. I can't really put my finger on what it is, but there's something about this band. Sure...one could argue that nothing happens on stage. The band just stands there performing some songs. The only member who shows some energy is the multinstrumentalist who played percussion, trumpet and at times guitar. I cant disagree with that, however, I argue that this stage presence complements the bands sound and style perfectly. Singer Tracyanne Campbell is the absolute star of the band. With a voice to die for she grabs your attention, almost like putting a spell on you. She made the slower songs sound so vulnerable and delicate that there was almost complete silence in the audience. A sight not often seen or heard at a show and it was beautiful. The faster songs sounded tight and more powerful than on record. Camera Obscura is definitely a band whose live show adds elements to their records. In fact, while travelling to work this morning, I played the albums Let's Get Out Of This Country and Underachievers, Please Try Harder and it's like I appreciate the band more...I get songs I didn't use to "get". It's definitely a plus to have these positive associations from the live experience!
Conclusion: definitely a great show. Intimate, fun and dreamy. As an encore the band played a decent cover of Abba's Super Trooper. Not bad. Not bad at all.
The band just released their fourth single (Tears For Affairs) of the album. Below you'll find all four video's from the Let's Get Out Of This Country album. Enjoy!
Video: Camera Obscura - Tears For Affairs
Video: Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country
Video: Camera Obscura - If Looks Could Kill
Video: Camera Obscura - Hey Loyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken
I really didn't have any expectations from the show, but I was pretty impressed. I can't really put my finger on what it is, but there's something about this band. Sure...one could argue that nothing happens on stage. The band just stands there performing some songs. The only member who shows some energy is the multinstrumentalist who played percussion, trumpet and at times guitar. I cant disagree with that, however, I argue that this stage presence complements the bands sound and style perfectly. Singer Tracyanne Campbell is the absolute star of the band. With a voice to die for she grabs your attention, almost like putting a spell on you. She made the slower songs sound so vulnerable and delicate that there was almost complete silence in the audience. A sight not often seen or heard at a show and it was beautiful. The faster songs sounded tight and more powerful than on record. Camera Obscura is definitely a band whose live show adds elements to their records. In fact, while travelling to work this morning, I played the albums Let's Get Out Of This Country and Underachievers, Please Try Harder and it's like I appreciate the band more...I get songs I didn't use to "get". It's definitely a plus to have these positive associations from the live experience!
Conclusion: definitely a great show. Intimate, fun and dreamy. As an encore the band played a decent cover of Abba's Super Trooper. Not bad. Not bad at all.
The band just released their fourth single (Tears For Affairs) of the album. Below you'll find all four video's from the Let's Get Out Of This Country album. Enjoy!
Video: Camera Obscura - Tears For Affairs
Video: Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country
Video: Camera Obscura - If Looks Could Kill
Video: Camera Obscura - Hey Loyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken
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