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 National announce tracklist, release date

Alligator by the National was one of my favorite albums of 2005. The new album that is titled Boxer will be released May 22nd. Can't wait. You can find the tracklist and more info in this article by Billboard. They'll also be touring Europe this fall!

Here are some video's from Alligator.

Video: The National - Abel

Video: The National - Daughters of the Soho Riots

The Arcade Fire

So...my Ipod got lost in the mail and a new one should be on its way. To make my travels a little bit more pleasant this week, my brother was kind enough to lent me his (Thanx!). In the train this morning I was scrolling through his albums and I found one I hadn't played in a while: Funeral by The Arcade Fire. Their new album (Neon Bible) will come out soon (March 5th) and is probably the most anticipated album of 2007 in "indieworld", which is not surprising considering the succes of Funeral. Anyways, here are some video's from the previous album. Check out the band's Myspace to hear some new ones.

Video: The Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)

Video: The Arcade Fire - Laika

Video: The Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies)

Sinners Stick Together!

Boston based The Sterns describe their own sound as "Jangly Guitar Pop Circa 1986 with a Punk Rock Aesthetic Circa 1979". They certainly prove this on their album Sinners Stick Together, which will be released on March 13th. The album is filled with well crafted indie/powerpopsongs, not unlike early Elvis Costello (check out 'Papa, You're in your Prime') or a more rockin' version of Belle and Sebastian. There are enough other references of course, but this band has created a really fun album that is hard not to like!

The Sterns on MySpace

Mp3's:
The Sterns - Supreme Girl
The Sterns - Papa, you're in your Prime

Immaculate Machine

The New Pornographers is often refered to as an indiepop supergroup. This is not really surprising if you consider the other bands the members of NP play in. Take for instance the solo succes of A.C Newman and Neko Case and the critical acclaim drummer Dan Bejar gets with Destroyer. I've gotten to know (and grown to love) all these acts through NP.

Kathryn Calder (keyboard player in NP) plays in Immaculate Machine, but I did not know this when I first heard this band. What I did know is that Calder impressed me with her vocal talent at the NP's show last year. Neko Case was absent but she took her place in a wonderful way. Anyways, the first song I heard of Immaculate Machine was Phone Number and it's a winner. Thus, when I looked into this band and found out that Calder was in this band, I was pleasantly surprised.

Immaculate Machine is an indierock trio with somewhat unorthodox instrumentation. There is no bass player for instance and songwriting and vocal duties are rotated. The vocals are definitely a strength of this band and odds are that you'll like this if you dig the NP. Immaculate Machine however definitely have a sound of their own. They expect to finish recording their new record this month. Can't wait! For now, here are some older songs...

Video: Immaculate Machine - Broken Ship


Website | MySpace | Buy@Insound

Mp3's:
Immaculate Machine - Broken Ship
Immaculate Machine - Phone No.

New Pipettes video!

Have you seen the new Pipettes video yet? It's pretty sweet! To spice this post a bit up, I've also put up non album track 'Guess who ran away with the Milkman'. Enjoy!

Video: The Pipettes - Judy


Website | MySpace | Buy@Insound

Mp3:
The Pipettes - Guess who ran away with the Milkman

The Broken Family Band

One album I overlooked in a long list of overlooked albums in 2006 is Balls by The Broken Family Band. Imagine a countryband that likes to rock or a rockband that likes country. I'm not talking about cowpunk, though the guitars sound quite punky at times... For now, let's call it indierock with a country feel to it.

The first song (and single) on the album is 'You're like a Woman'. It's a fun song (if you're into the Fratellis, you'll like this!), which will give you an indication what this band is about. Don't let it fool you however, most songs on the album are more laid back.

Video: The Broken Family Band - You're like a Woman


One of the highlights of these laidback songs is the (call it a parody of country duets if you will) break up duet 'Alone in the Make-out Room', with lyrics like:
I wanna watch you drown in a lake or get stabbed by a bull or bit by a snake and there's not a single doctor who will come and help you
versus
I want you to move to Australia, with me a success and you facing failure and all the friends you had ignore your calls

Don't worry though...in the end everything works out...

Another FTC favorite on the album is the Leonard Cohen cover 'Diamonds in the Mine'. They've made an instant singalongable yet rocking version of this song. In case you're not familiar with the original, I've put it up as well.

Website | MySpace | Buy

The Broken Family Band - I'm Thirsty
The Broken Family Band - Diamonds in the Mine (Leonard Cohen cover)
Leonard Cohen - Diamonds in the Mine

The Eames Era

It's a small step from recently discussed Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer to The Eames Era. We're talking cute as hell sugarsweet indiepop here. Their new album Heroes and Sheroes is scheduled to be released somewhere in the next couple of months and is highly anticipated at FTC headquarters. Watch the video to ''A Scandal in Bohemia' and you will know why. It's been re-recorded (and renamed; it's now called 'Watson on your Side') for the new album and I'm already pretty sure this new version will end up on my 2007 yearlist of best songs. You can compare it for yourself...I've put up the the new version below as well as a couple of songs from their 2005 album Double Dutch. You can listen to more new songs on their MySpace page, but be warned..you might fall in love with this band!

Video: The Eames Era - A Scandal in Bohemia

MySpace | Buy@Amazon

Mp3's:
The Eames Era - Watson on your Side
The Eames Era - Go To Sleep (from Double Dutch)
The Eames Era - Listen For The Sun (from Double Dutch)

New Panda Bear Song

The other day I've got an email from a promotor filled with info about the new Panda Bear album (Person Pitch), which is scheduled to be released march 22th. While some might see this as a form of unwanted spam, to me it almost made me feel like a true blogger. The best part however is that the song that accompanied the email (Comfy in Nautica) is actually very interesting. It's a beautiful a-capella song (think Beach Boys harmonies) filled with some sample and noise in the background.

For those of you unfamiliar with Panda Bear, it's the solo project of Animal Collective member Noah Lennox. According to the press release, Person Pitch "is suffused with the kind of feel good modern toe-tapping pop that seems harder and harder to find these days". While 'Comfy in Nautica' hardly fits this description, it does make me look forward to the new album.

Website | Buy@Insound

Mp3:
Panda Bear - Comfy in Nautica

Baby Teeth

A band only needs one good song to draw my interest. Enter 'the Simp' by Chicago based Baby Teeth. It's an indie rock gem seemily influenced by classic rock. It was this song that made me look into this band. I've come across an advanced copy of their new album (also titled the Simp, which will be released through Lujo Records early this year) and I am somewhat surprised by it. The common denominator here is indie rock but there are obvious influences of classic rock but also 60'/70's pop. Some songs are even close to disco. I'm still not sure if I like this album, but at this moment it's safe to say I'm intrigued by it. However...this record probably will stay a hit or miss record to me. Some songs are really enjoyable (sometimes even really really good!) and some songs I won't regret skipping. Anyways, I've posted their best song (the Simp) and the song most likely to appear on your radio (Swim Team). Enjoy!

Website | MySpace

Mp3's:
Baby Teeth - The Simp
Baby Teeth - Swim Team
Baby Teeth - Heather via JC (from 2006 EP For the Heathers; watch video here)

Cover EP Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer and Reel Big Fish

Interesting synopsis: one of the cutest powerpop bands teams up with one of the biggest skapunk bands to play their favorite 80's songs. Okay...not really original, but when Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer is involved...I'm game!

"What happens when two of America’s best pop-rock bands collaborate on their love of 1980’s pop-rock? Answer: Duet All Night Long. This six- song split release by Reel Big Fish and Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer is comprised entirely of the two bands’ favorite 80’s gems. Each band croons three pop gems originally by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Human League, The Smiths, Fishbone, and more. The best part is that Zolof's Rachel Minton and Reel Big Fish's Aaron Barrett sing scorching duets on every track!"

The cd will be released february 20th on Reignition. For now you can listen to the entire album here. I'm liking the three Zolof ones!

God Knows (You gotta give to get)

These days I'm often scrolling through my music collection, with the main reason to find the best albums and songs of 2006. Yeah, it's yearlist time and as a first year blogger, I have not realized the complexity of this. I've given myself a deadline somewhere between Christmas and the New Year, so you might want to start working on yours. I would love reading them! Anyways, because of this time consuming activity, I probably won't be blogging that comprehensively.

Today the cool video to the more than beautiful (goosebump material) El Perro Del Mar song 'God Knows (You gotta give to get)'. [...now that's what I call briefness]

Video: El Perro Del Mar - God Knows (You gotta give to get)

Website | MySpace | Buy@Insound

Tralala

Could a bandname be any simpler than Tralala? In the case of Tralala, the music is pretty simple as well. Think Ramones, Ronettes and Beatles inspired poppunk with four female singers. They're somewhere between the dirtiness of (though not as dirty as) the Donnas and the poppiness of (though not as poppy as) the Pipettes. The vocal harmonies are the band's strength and gives them a certain retro sound. They say it best themselves: "Tralala are boys and girls who play rock songs without strings attached...and they believe it is OK to shake your hips to rock and roll." Their new album 'Is that the Tralala' was released last month.

Mp3:
Tralala - Yellow Taxi
Tralala - Boys of St. Mary

Website | MySpace | Buy@Insound

(Sing me to Sleep) Regina Spektor

Sometimes there is a thin line between mainstream and indie music, take Regina Spektor's single 'Fidelity' (watch video below) for example. It's a song that would not be misplaced on mainstream radio except for one thing if you listen closely: this song is really good! I love the break at 2:50 into the song. Spektor has an extraordinary voice (in a positive way) that she uses very dynamically: sometimes it's like she's whispering, sometimes she sounds very vulnerable, sometimes very strong.

Spektor's 2006 album "Begin to Hope" makes for perfect late night music. Listening to it will relax you, but has enough surprising moments to keep you awake. The Russian Born, American singer songwriter and pianist has made a very diverse album, that I'm liking more and more with every listen. It's the kind of album that unveals secrets every time you listen to it, sometimes lyrically and sometimes musically. Interesting stuff. If you like the video to 'Fidelity', she has a music player on her website. I've put up the bonustrack Uh-merica, where the uh sounds dangerously close to a vomiting noise but I'm sure that's not done on purpose hehe...

Video: Regina Spektor - Fidelity


Mp3:
Regina Spektor - Uh-Merica

Website | MySpace | Buy@Insound

Stephen Brodsky

Lately I've taken quite a liking to the song 'Sentimental Case' from Stephen Brodsky's new album (Stephen Brodsky's Octave Museum). Stephen Brodsky is the singer of metal/indierock outfit Cave In, which I never got into, but then again this solo project, sounds really different. It's filled with laid back poprock tunes that fit in somewhere between the Beatles and the New Pornographers. Not really groundbreaking, but an enjoyable album nonetheless. Suited as background music, except for Sentimental Case, which you should play at a louder level!

MP3:
Stephen Brodsky - Sentimental Case

MySpace | Buy

Nintendocore

Remember playing video games as a kid and whistling along to the background music? Knowing every riff to every level by heart wasn't a rarity in those days. If this sounds familiar or if you can relate to this, let's discuss a band whose goal it is to play the themes to all the Nintendo 8 bit games before they die: The Advantage. Not only is this an awesome goal, but these self proclaimed 'serious dudes that rock with good nintentions' execute these song very well. My favorite song has to be Goonies 2. Check out the live video and the original tune (!) below. I've put some other cool ones up for download.

Video: The Advantage - Goonies 2

Video: Goonies 2: the game


The Advantage - Bubble Bobble
The Advantage - Super Mario Bros. 2 - Overworld

Some live mp3's by The Avantage

Website | MySpace | Buy@Insound

Show Review: I'm From Barcelona @ De Helling

The I'm From Barcelona show of last night was much anticipated at FTC Headquarters. Before the show I was already certain that this was going to be quite the experience...and it was.

Moss (from Amsterdam) had the pleasure of opening for these crazy Swedes and they did it well. No matter the style of music, it's always nice to see good musicians at work and that was definitely the case at hand. I expect to hear more from this solid indierock/pop band that will release their debut album through Exelsior in a few months.
The main dish: I'm from Barcelona! I was afraid that the band would show up at minimal strength, but from the number of microphones on stage it was obvious that they were with plenty: I counted 20 Swedes. They played a festival in France the night before and after a 12 hour busdrive they were anxious to play. From the Barcelona intro (Freddy Mercury style) until the last song, this band was all over the place. My expectations were high, but actually I enjoyed myself so much more than expected.

First let me try to paint a picture of the setting: a dozen instruments (ukulele, tuba, flute, xylophone, keyboards etc.), bubble blowing and so many people on stage that you don't know where to look. They seem to perform with only one goal: giving the audience as good a time as they're having themselves. Their enthusiasm is so contagious that in no time you find yourself participating with handclaps, hip shaking, headbopping, handwaving, almost dancing (I'm not a dancer) and smiling...lots of smiles. In fact...I don't believe the grin lost my face during the show, which went by much too fast (time flies when you're...exactly).
Though I wished they played more songs, I liked what they did with the ones they did play, adding elements, slowing and speeding them up and stretching them out. They added the chorus of Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' at the end of 'Rec and Play' and played a new song that was inspired by the fascinating though akward documentary Grizzly Man. After telling the audience that the bubble making machine was broken and some people started chanting "We want Bubbles", singer Emanuel Lundgren created a new song ("We want Bubbles") on the spot. Another example of his improve skills was replacing the "damn!" in the song 'Oversleeping' with the Dutch translation "verdomme".

This band should be added to your must see list. Sure, it might be a little to happy for your taste, but I guarantee that you have a great time. It was a shame that so few people decided to come to this party (I don't believe attendance reached more than a 100), but in the end everyone was standing as close to the stage as possible, smiling and dancing. Not a soul left the building dissappointed and for one evening the world seemed a happy place (Ok, I can't believe I've just said that...).

I don't know...you just had to be there I guess! By the way, I found this awesome acoustic video (thanx to LaBlogotheque) which you might like.

Video: I'm From Barcelona - We're From Barcelona


[photography from the band's website, NOT from last night's show...]

Website | MySpace | Buy@Insound

Chips Ahoy!

Quite busy this week...not much time to post...just wanted you to see the Hold Steady's video to Chips Ahoy! Great song/video by this a-typical but oh so hard rocking band. They have a new album out called 'Boys and Girls in America', which is as awesome as their previous one 'Seperation Sunday'.

Video: The Hold Steady - Chips Ahoy!


Website | MySpace |Buy @ Insound

Love is All

I'm aware that a lot of bands I've talked about in this blog are Scandinavian. I'd like to state that this is not on purpose. It's just that this region is filled with so many great bands that George W Bush would probably refer to it as the axis of evilly good music that is a threat to the US indie scene (of course if he had good musical taste, which is more than doubtful. That's a good thing though cause if he did, he might invade Scandinavia to stop this bands from being better than their American counterparts...).
Sorry for drifting off...let me introduce you to Love is All from Sweden. I highly recommend their critically acclaimed debut 'Nine Times That Same Song' if you like pop songs with a little punk chaos added to it. This is catchy but weird, danceable but rocking. I like their old school sound, which remind me of X-ray Spex at times, although the singer's voice alone might account for this. Looking forward to their Amsterdam show december 14th!

Video: Busy Doing Nothing

mp3:
Love is All - Talk Talk Talk
Love is All - Spinning and Scratching

MySpace | Buy @ Insound

Camera Obscura vs. Belle & Sebastian

The time for end of the year lists is only a month away and I haven't even discussed two of this years finest indiepop releases. Thus, A tad (and not so fashionably) late, I present to you 'Let's Get Out of This Country' by Camera Obscura and 'The Life Pursuit' by Belle & Sebastian.

There are a lot of similarities; both bands are from Glasgow and their music is easily comparable. Camera Obscura is often described as a lesser Belle & Sebastian, but with their latest album they're truly closing the gap. I can't really say which of these two albums I like best. Both albums are full of (so many) insanely catchy pop songs, which makes me wonder why their succes is still limited to the indie scene in a lot of countries. I've put up 2 video's by each band. Earcandy anyone?

Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken

Camera Obscura - Let's get out of this country

Belle & Sebastian - Funny little frog

Belle & Sebastian - The blues are still blue