Here’s another music video featuring Thom Yorke dancing, this time for Atoms For Peace’s “Ingenue.” Yorke isn’t necessarily a bad dancer, but when paired up against a professional, Random Dance Company’s Fukiko Takase, his moves become less “I love when he’s crazy” and more “that’s just terrible.”
Kathleen Edwards is one of those artists that is always one degree away of my active listening. I’ve heard good things about her from reputable sources. I’ve enjoyed songs in which she has had a less-than full part in. I was even supposed to see her perform, if the plumbing at the Triple Door hadn’t gone busto during the sound check.
All that is to say that the video above, for her song “Chameleon/Comedian,” from last year’s Voyageur, may be the first song I have heard and can now identify as a Kathleen Edwards song. The supremely whacked-out video was directed by Noah Pink, who made his debut appearance on this blog just two weeks ago.
Simply watching this video has given me much more reason to like Kathleen Edwards, showing some deep interest in creating something other than just the norm. Now to start the listening in earnest.
Here’s another video from David Bowie’s forthcoming album The Next Day, due out March 12. The song is called “The Stars (Are Out Tonight),” and I quite like it. The video stars Tilda Swinson, but it’s still every bit as weird — moreso even — than the last video.
By my count, “twitter famous” John Roderick, with his ever-shifting band the Long Winters, have released a total of two new (non-Christmas-themed) songs since 2006’s Putting the Days to Bed. Long-time fans like me have been satiated through various solo and makeshift group live-show appearances, along with other non-musical endeavors. And while I could probably subsist on a never ending line of shows with just John and a guitar performing the same great songs and covers over and over and over again, I still have a strong desire to hear something new.
And that’s where the video above comes in. While participating in last week’s JoCo Cruise Crazy 3, John performed a third new song, never before heard, on stage for the lucky people on the ship with him. When I first listened to this song, I didn’t expect the reaction I had. The song was new, but it wasn’t. It had John’s buttery voice and common Long-Wintersian chord structures, but it had new lyrics, a new story to tell. And it felt so familiar and unexpected, I didn’t know whether to cry or smile. It was the kind of emotion I find myself feeling more and more since having become a father. In the end, I sat motionless for just over three minutes, relishing every moment of it. It was beautiful. It was moving. It was home. And I don’t ever again want to leave.
Frightened Rabbit’s newest video, for their song “Backyard Skulls” from their newly released album Pedestrian Verse, is a tad on the funny side.
Been listening to this song for a while now, and only now, having seen the video, did I realize they were saying “backyard skulls.” I love how music works.
I’m not quite sure I am still equipped to handle the extreme hipster-dom that is Darwin Deez, but I can definitely get behind any video that takes bad stock video, edits it together in a way to show aging in the treacly light that only stock can give you, and then inserts Darwin into each shot. Presenting the video for “You Can’t Be My Girl” in all its glory.
Thom Yorke and company’s Atoms for Peace are streaming their debut album, Amok, set to release next week. Listen above, or go check out the crazy full-window player if you dare (and if it actually loads).
Yet another Canadian band I know nothing about, here’s Young Rival with a CRAZY video for their song “Two Reasons.” Mind blowing.
I saw this Grimes video a few months ago, but failed to post it then. Totally awesome video. Still not sure I’m either annoyed at Grimes or very much into Grimes. One of the two.
I don’t know Rich Aucoin, but this video for his song “Brian Wilson is A.L.i.V.E.” is awesome, walking through Brian Wilson’s entire life on film in the span of four minutes.
Here’s Colin Meloy, Jenny Conlee and Nate Query from the Decemberists, along with Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie, and Peter Buck from R.E.M. performing R.E.M.’s “You Are the Everything” at a fundraiser held in Portland this past Wednesday night. It’s safe to say I would have killed to have been at this event, had I known about it.
I’ve severely underestimated the popularity of The Postal Service. It’s been ten years since Give Up was released, and Sub Pop is releasing a 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the seminal album. But apparently in that time the band has lingered in many heads or has moved into many, but either way, I’m pretty sure that even though this video only came out today, most everyone has already seen it.
Putting it here for archival purposes only. :)
One more for good measure: The Deer Tracks with “Lazarus” from their upcoming album The Archer Trilogy Pt. 3, set to release February 12. Just discovering this duo, but I like what I‘ve heard so far.
Oh, and btw, they’re coming to the Sunset on February 20. Watching this video and knowing what the Sunset is like, I can’t really put the two together. But I don’t see how I’m going to be able to miss this one.
And then there’s Bonobo, with their song “Cirrus” from their next album The North Borders, due April 2. Holy moly this video is mind bending.
Slowly growing to love this new band that’s about to burst onto the scene. Daughter, from London, have their debut album, If You Leave, coming out here in the states at the end of April. They’re definitely in the dream pop, XX/Beach House realm, but at least with three people there’s a little more interest happening on stage.
My current favorite musician, Shugo Tokumaru, who I’ve been listening to non-stop for the past month, has launched this new, mind-blowing video for his song “Katachi.”
And not only has it been featured on Pitchfork, it’s also being picked up in non-music circles, such as the awesome technology blog The Verge. The blow up is happening faster than I expected, but I’m excited that others are finding this awesome musician. His new album, In Focus?, came out this past Tuesday in the US. Buy it now — it is great, even if you can’t understand a word he’s singing.
Lastly, Shugo opens for Kishi Bashi at the Croc on February 22. I have a hunch this is going to sell out, so get your tickets now.
update: The video was created by Polish director(s?) Kijek/Adamski, who appear to have some amazing video-making chops.
I’ve been in love with this song for a very long time, thanks to one Windows 8 commercial in which the song prominently features. And I’ve only just stumbled upon it now.
You see, my current favorite, Shugo Tokumaru, whose album In Focus? has been in constant rotation since I wrapped up the 2012 Calendar, is going on tour with Kishi Bashi, the person responsible for the song above.
Catch Shugo Tokumaru and Kishi Bashi at their first stop together here in Seattle, at the Croc, on February 22. See you there! This is going to be one hell of a show.
Queen and David Bowie - “Under Pressure” (isolated lead vocal tracks)
Haunting.
Listen for Freddie’s ungodly range on the bit from 1:58-2:10.
UPDATED: In honor of Mr. Bowie’s birthday—and, in deference to your Stressful Modern Lifestyle—here’s a relaxing ringtone I made for you.
God damn.
David Bowie has a new album coming out in March called The Next Day. The first single from the album, titled “Where Are We Now?” is featured in the strange video above.
Like all David Bowie songs, this one will probably take a while to sink in, but in the end will be loved like all the rest. There are some classic Bowie videos on the “Vision” page that you should also watch. CANNOT WAIT for the tour announcement.
Another song from the forthcoming Atoms For Peace record Amok: “Judge Jury and Executioner.”
Pretty damn excited for this one.