Though I am now in Korea and no longer seeing live shows every week as I was at home, I had the fortunate pleasure of attending Global Gathering (a traveling, international electronic festival) last weekend.
I saw a few hilarious K-POP grounds (G-Dragon and 2ne1), MSTRKRFT, Royksopp and Underworld. Having seen MSTRKRFT, I was so excited for their performance but I will admit, I think they fell a little short. The last time I saw them was last November in Houston and they really brought it. Maybe it was because it started at 2am, but I felt they were slacking a bit. Royksopp was incredible - the girl singer has the most mesmerizingly beautiful voice. Underworld was a non-stop dance party. Probably the best of the night
I've been truly terrible about updating this....but this performance of Andrew Bird's is not to be missed. I will try to continue posting as I have learned about a lot of new music in the past few weeks.
I have a soft spot for acapella music and an even softer spot for My Morning Jacket. My favorite band of my lifetime, there is nothing sweeter and more honest than Jim James' voice and lyrics. Found this lil ditty on the net...
Also in MMJ related news...Yim Yames (his yalter yeego), has begun releasing (for FREE!) tracks off his Tribute ToGeorge Harrison EP. The entire album (all 6 songs of it) is available for stream here, and will be released for sale in its entirety on August 4. Yim recorded the album a few days after Harrison died in 2001. After listening to the EP about five times, it left me wanting much much more. James did the whole thing himself, on vocals and acoustic guitar. In the liner notes, James calls Harrison "a prime example of the healing power of music."
Tribute Tracklist: Long Long Long Behind That Locked Door (Get it free) Love You To My Sweet Lord Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) All Things Must Pass
This album comes as a lead-up to the long-awaited self-titled album release (Sept. 22nd) from Monsters of Folk, Jim James's supergroup that also features Conor Oberst, M. Ward, and Mike Mogis. Apparently the sessions were haunted by ghosts. The Shangri-La studios were once a bordello. Jim James told NME, "You can feel some of the scary, sad ghosts of the brothel. M [Ward] actually saw one. He was freaked out, he didn't want to be in that room for a while. You feel a lot of ghosts there but most of them feel pretty friendly."
For a free download of "Say Please" just say "p-l-e-a-s-e" (go to website and type it in)
kiddos heading to ACL this year be sure to check em out. their bio says all you need to know:
"We like the way the name sounds so we set it to music. Our own Luke made a beautiful record and we joined him to make something together. We are creating songs from melodies that can turn from gorgeous to challenging to a little scary and back again. Sounds are driven and shaped by, but hopefully never grounded by, rhythms that entrance before performing a somersault. It all seems silly on paper, but there are no dirty words: groovy, psychedelic, pretty etc... are all fair game. It is our hope that we generate something generous and surprising, crafted but instinctive, even as it coalesces. So far it is a lovely ruckus."
The White Rabbits, from Brooklyn via Missouri, are one of the standout bands for me this summer. Their debut LP, Fort Nightly (2007), and new album It's Frightening (2009) have been on repeat the past few days. With a bit more pressure on their sophomore release they hired none other than Britt Daniel (Spoon) to produce. The band's early success has been fueled by a dynamic, high-energy, live show - which I haven't been fortunate enough to see, but will some day.
The Rabbits formed at the University of Missouri in 2004. Their distinctive sound is created by a combination of piano, percussion (two drummers) and bright, clever lyrics. Give them a listen.
Obviously there are not enough words to describe the impact Michael Jackson had on the music world. I remember making up dances in 4th grade to Black or White and learning the sign language to We Are The World in P.E. I was shocked and so sad yesterday to hear of his passing. I am sure you all know the story by now, so I won't write about it here. Just wanted to post a few worthy MJ remixes.
So, I've seen several really bizarre music videos lately... This first one made its debut at the Moma a few months ago. The band members were college roommates at NYU and are members of the band Grizzly Bear as well. They're called 'Department of Eagles' and the song is called 'No One Does it Like You.' Its a bit violent, but its super interesting.
The second is from Empire of the Sun. Totally wacked:
The third is Lady Gaga...maybe the most ridiculous thing I've seen in a while:
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past six months you will surely know PHISH is BACK. Hells yes. This weekend they started their summer tour in Boston, playing at Fenway Park. Wish I coulda been there but Red Rox will have to suffice in August ;)
maybe its the feeling of extreme giddyness of seeing Passion Pit this Thursday or maybe its because I've been playing Manners (see a few posts below) non stop for the past 2 weeks but I've got the fever, and what I need is more Pass!on P!t. This little ditty is a video I just found and super cute.
I am also digging this remix contest they put up a few months back. You had to take snippets of "Little Secrets" and make your own song.
