Month: May 2011

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2011 releases

Joseph Arthur – Out On A Limb

Joseph Arthur and I have a complicated relationship. Once upon a time, I would have cited Jo as my favourite artist. But times change, as do people, and we grew apart… bar the odd exception or two.

But I’ve just got through listening to his new album, The Graduation Ceremony (out today) and I think I’m finally ready to strike up that relationship again. This is, quite simply, one of my favourite albums of 2011. The Graduation Ceremony sees Arthur reign in all those extraneous bits that I thought plagued his later stuff. This album is an exercise in restraint, and it’s oh-so beautiful.

Listen: Joseph Arthur – Out on a Limb (from The Graduation Ceremony)

Categories
2011 releases music videos

Tyler, The Creator – Yonkers [VIDEO]

Can someone else let me know what you think of the whole Odd Future thing? Because, seriously… I’ve never been as conflicted about music as I have been by these dudes. I don’t know which way to turn, but I know I can’t turn away.

It’s some of the most prodigious talent I’ve seen in… well, I can’t think since when. But here’s the thing: Eminem’s been doing the shock lyrics things for over a decade now. The difference is this: he’s old enough to look into the abyss and step back. These dudes are still – mostly – in their teens. Will they fall in?

Categories
2011 releases

The Antlers – Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out

I have to admit, I just never really got into The Antlers hype. There was just something about them that didn’t connect with me, which is weird as the fans I speak to seem to get this completely deep and meaningful connection with their tunes. But, for whatever reason, it just didn’t click in my case.

Until I finally took the time to listen to this song from “Burst Apart” (which came out earlier this month) called, “Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out”. And man, this is just crazy good.

There’s a whole lot of stocatto Thom Yorke in here, but that is by no means a bad thing. Stilted and jangly, this is a tune that grows in your head throughout the night until it takes over.

Listen: The Antlers – Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out

Categories
music videos

Children Collide – Loveless [VIDEO]

I have to admit, a few years ago I saw Children Collide open for the Hoodoo Gurus down at the Coolangatta Hotel… and while I could totally respect what they did on the stage, it just wasn’t my type of thing. But this track (and absolutely kickass video), Loveless, has me rethinking that.

Loveless is taken from Children Collide’s 2010 LP, “Theory of Everything”.

Categories
music videos

To Kill a King – Fictional State

Bloody hell, this track and video are just beautiful.

That’s all.

Categories
live songs

The Tallest Man on Earth – New Song

In which Kristian Mattsson, aka The Tallest Man on Earth, steps out from behind the guitar and in front of a piano, and – a very rare occurence – adds a backing band. Oh, and debuts a new song, possibly titled “There’s No Leaving Now”.

All of which comes courtesy of a surprisingly good quality live recording of his recent show in Gothenberg.

I love this.

Categories
2011 releases music videos

James Vincent McMorrow – Sparrow & The Wolf [VIDEO]

James Vincent McMorrow has been one of my more consistent spins this year, since I first heard his stunning tune, “This Old Dark Machine“. Despite that, I’ve only just realised that I’ve never posted about the guy on here, which is crazy.

So here’s a handy excuse to get that first post up: James has just premiered the official video for the disconcerting “Sparrow and the Wolf”; another cracker song off his debut album, Early in the Morning. Watch below.

Early in the Morning is out now on iTunes.

Categories
2011 releases

Bon Iver – Calgary

As recently hinted at, I’m quite excited about the new Bon Iver album. And this first single, “Calgary,” has left me no less excited.

It hints at the new direction that Justin and Co. are heading in (and in fact recalls some of the older DeYarmond Edison sounds for me, actually)… and is the perfect teaser for the upcoming album, Bon Iver, due out June 21.

You can preorder the album here, but in the meantime, enjoy the free (for an email address) download of the track below.