My boyfriend's music

Sentimental us

2010-07-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, He wasn't mine to keep, only to admire. Back in those days, recommendations came in the form of dance floor hits or late night goodbyes disguised as songs (or was it the other way around?). The Innocence Mission marked His first musical suggestion after having officiated the relationship, just days before embarking on a hectic yet unforgettable trip to Europe. Suits this story just fine that the band is formed by the incredibly inspired coupling of Karen Peris uniquely sweet voice aided by her own hubby's guitar talents.

In the wake of their 9th (!) studio album to be released this July 13th, here's a favourite from their 2007 effort, We walked in song which first opened the (so regrettably late-for-the-party) vault to all their allurement:

It's about time everyone hops in this ride.

Maldita Hits: Beach House - Lover of Mine

2010-04-03T11:24:00.001-07:00

This has been a long time coming since the 2008 Explosions in the Sky ATP when Beach House stuck out more like a sore New England hobo vintage thumb than their own musical selves. In a weekend amongst unprecedented show-stoppers of the likes of Broken Social Scene, Jens Lekman debuting Night Falls over Kordetala and a Dino Jr. double billing (complete with a random air-drumming Mascis spotting), it was tough for the Maryland duo to make a solid statement.

Fortunately, His everlasting patience for newbie acts endurred past Butlins grounds and eventually paved its way to the dance floor with the help of their second effort Teen Dream (...pop?), out last January on Subpop. Everyone deserves a second chance, don't they?

And they have a tour tumblr! Will real talent thrive in lieu of hipster bias this time around? Stay tuned for further Primavera impressions...

Two Down

2010-03-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Now, if only every 19 year old could rock the living fudge off a guitar like this kid, it would be a whole other ballpark. Here's Avi with yet another smasher from what's quickly becoming the most anticipated record/show of the season:

It's your move, EA Games!

Wolverine meets Merle

2010-03-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

If there's two people the world has long learned it can trust and rely on, they are Bill Janovitz and Wolverine. There's also only a handful of things more adorable than a kid dressed as his favourite superhero rocking out to his father's awesome music, so this video of the really is the best of all words:

Merle Haggard doubtingly saw this one coming, but it sure as hell fits the Bill(s)!

Best Band of All Times: The Besnard Lakes edition

2010-03-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

In spite of life-changing, reality-bending plans to see Pavement live this spring, all efforts seem moot upon His impossibility of shaking off the notion we might miss the only possible (and yet to be announced) Besnard Lakes concert date in the UK, before they're back to America to finish off their tour. Unfortunately for Stockton, the Montreal natives have temporarily stolen the limelight and currently (if not ephemerously) have a tight grip on the Best Band of All Times title.

To celebrate, they played their first television appearance yesterday on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon:

They are actually celebrating their most recent release Are the Roaring Night, which itself has crowned their earlier issue Are the Dark Horse with the Uncanny Irony of All Times title.

For now, that is.

Wish List: The Bowlie Weekender 2

2010-03-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Because anxiety madness apparently holds no boundaries, ATP just dropped another happiness nuke on His (and mine) head (hah!) announcing a brand new edition of The Bowlie Weekender to take place this December 10th through 12th. The festival that started all the merriment back in 1999 will feature Glasgow twee darlings Belle & Sebastian reprising their curator role and announcing the first batch of bands this Monday morning, when tickets go on sale.

Scandinavia and Japan serve as current warm-up dates while the band reportedly works on a new album following up their extremely underrated musical experiment God Help the Girl:

Further comments on the first ATP winter weekend when our heart stops pounding and our bank accounts cease bleeding for a bit...

Good times ahead

2010-03-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

This blog is currently recruiting Northern Oregon mosquitos interested in a very special secret agent task. Applications open!

What are the youth to do?

2010-03-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Pop music is so cute (not). Right now, while Timbaland and The Neptunes are sifting through countless late 80's/early 90's samples trying to figure out from what dance revival they can profit the most next, The Radio Dept. is (not so) quietly releasing their glorious new single, instant dance floor hit Heaven's on Fire. Combining smooth italo-dance influences from twenty years ago with their own trademark brand of futuristic dreampop, the track explodes in a powerful synthesized synergy more than fulfilling Thurston Moore's sampled wish to "destroy the bogus capitalist process that is destroying youth culture":

Mainstream, they're coming for you.

Shadows upon us!

2010-03-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

The wait is over: Teenage Fanclub is finally releasing their new album Shadows on May 31st worldwide (June 8th through Merge for the U.S.). The long overdue follow-up to 2006's Man Made features heavily architectural inspired cover art (a nod to the Glaswegian prestigious design tradition) and 12 brand new tracks, including our brain's favourite hit of nearly a year, "Baby Lee":

To celebrate, UK inhabitants will be blessed with a modest spring tour to kick off-festivities:

Koko	London	May 1st
The Academy 2	Manchester	May 27th
The Leadmill	Sheffield	May 28th
The Academy	Dublin	May 30th
The Warehouse	Aberdeen	June 1st
Glasgow O2 ABC	Glasgow	June 2nd
The Picture House	Edinburgh	June 3rd
The Cockpit	Leeds	June 4th
Bristol O2 Academy	Bristol	June 6th
Birmingham O2 Academy 2	Birmingham	June 7th

See you all in Scotland?

Got two dollars to spare?

2010-03-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Continuing their streak of magical twee pop singles, Hari & Aino add four more tracks to their résumé with the digital release of All that Remains. For the collection fiends, it will also be available in CD format through the Edition 59 project:

The video for the title track comes courtesy of one of our own brazilliants, Felipe Brandalise:

Next step: Coquetel Molotov? Please say yes!

Soon enough

2010-02-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

Speaking of unconditional love:

Teasers!

Minds roll over

2010-02-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

House favourite Broken Social Scene has promised a whole new batch of love preaching for this May 4th, marking their first group record since their self-titled 2005 effort. The family has expanded beyond the usual suspects to officially include Sam Goldberg as the new resident guitarist and Lisa Lobsinger (of Reverie Sound Revue) as the main female vocalist. Production comes courtesy of John McEntire (of Tortoise and The Sea & Cake fame) who has brought some notorious guests to the party including members of his own bands and Pavement's own Spiral Stairs (Broken Stairs Scene in the works?).

Pitchfork has more details on what can be expected from the album directly from main man Kevin Drew, who dished about past and present recording processes (never underestimate the power of late night drunk advice) as well as details on the family expansion. A spring tour kicks off on May 1st in San Francisco, but until then, here's some of the lovely music that saved our lives:

The tricks indeed look good.

Mix It Up: Christmas 2009

2010-01-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

It wasn't cheating as much as lack of support from our so-called dear friends who all but twelve failed to show up for the traditional Christmas party accompanied by the even more traditional mixed CD exchange, but my brother ended up with His mix, which has been temporary stolen for this blog's purposes. A blessing in disguise?

The mix serves as a warm-up for all the music goodness announced for 2010, already one heck of a year to look forward to with promised new releases by quite a few of His favourites (Teenage Fanclub, The Radio Dept., Bettie Serveert and Broadcast, to name a few).

It starts off Canadian enough with a bit of Montreal landscaping softness by The Besnard Lakes, whose recent soundtrack collaboration on Mark Ruffalo's directorial debut is set to premiere this year on Sundance:

They are followed by fellow northerners Broken Social Scene's Bee Hives version of Lover's Spit, featuring vocals by our dearest Leslie Feist, which some gracious lad from Britain had the heart to set to some amusing footage from the Eastbourne Pier a few years ago:

Next comes the most recently proclaimed "Best Song of All Times" by California's youngest promise, Avi Buffalo, followed by long time Dutch darlings Bettie Serveert covering Joni Mitchell's notorious holiday (soundtrack) classic holiday tune River.

Track #5 features Swedish duo Club 8 and their eternal quest for redifining pop music with an old single from their eponymous album from earlier on in the decade, Boyfriends Stay:

Next are the Scots who already redefined pop rock, with what just might be the most overlooked song of the entire decade, a b-side from their 2005 full length release, Man Made. Here's Please Stay live at the Indietracks Festival:

Fresh out of the oven follows Tindersticks new track from their upcoming album Falling Down a Mountain, scheduled for a January 25th 2010 release (a mere eighteen days away!):

They make room for New Yorker Playboy bunny, topless waiting, artist models, cobra dancing, brothel worker, porno starlet, tattoo lady, dominatrix wannabes The Magnetic Fields, with one of the (funniest) tracks from their last record, Distortion. For much more hilarity, don't miss out on their tour later this Winter!

Next up is the musical story of when Frances's cat hid under the floorboards for 3 weeks. I wonder if they ever really skinned it (and how Bean Cobain feels about The Vaselines):

Next are a couple of singles from two very exciting upcoming albums due out in the first few months of 2010. First up is Göteborg's own Sambassadeur with their single Days from European (promised for February 24th):

Next up there is Aussie sweetheart Sally Seltmann, formerly known as New Buffalo and now signed to Arts & Crafts, which can only mean great things for her upcoming release (this time under her actual name) Heart That's Pounding, out this Spring. Until then, here's Harmony to My Heartbeat to hold us over:

Harmony to My Heartbeat from Sally Seltmann on Vimeo.

Track #12 features the Cocktease Grand Prize Winner of 2009, The Radio Dept. They are like the friend who becomes a best friend and before you know it, you're in love, but it doesn't love you back. They call back very seldom, just enough to leave the sentiment lingering. They make reckless promises they can't keep and small unexpected appearances, injecting enormously unfair hope into your weak infatuated heart. And then they go and cover a classic from The Go-Betweens like it's no big deal... so just to spite them and their (imaginary?) new release ironically titled Clinging to a scheme, I'm going to post the original instead. Don't worry, we still love you bastards and will most likely wait another year or ten:

Speaking of bands He is yet to see live, here's Broadcast celebrating the 10 year anniversary of The Noise Made by People. This deserves a proper commemoration, don't you think, Warp Records/Royal Albert Hall?

A mere six months ago, this post would have been incomplete without the efforts of a certain Kurosawa fan who kindly made this video of yet another Bobby Wratten gem from Trembling Blue Stars (click the link for a teaser from the new album due out in the spring):

My childhood memories of El Corte Inglés souvenir bags my grandmother used to carry around now find company in a more recent memory: randomly finding Azure Ray's Hold On Love on vinyl in the first ten minutes of the five hours we spent inside their 12-floor megastore in Porto. His long time ultimate pick for a dream Don't Look Back edition might also find new discography company if Orenda and Maria follow through with the rumors and reunite for a new release this year. Here's a reminder of the good times to come:

This next song is guaranteed to do a number in passionate hearts living in winter wonderlands everywhere, as He did to mine once upon a time:

In much the same mood, a toast to Joe Pernice, who not only makes great albums, but runs his own label which has it's own mascot, hosts his own editions of Cribs, writes amazing books, then writes amazing cover albums to go with them and still finds time to harass the quirkiest manager in the business. And they give out free stickers! Here's his take on Todd Rundgren's Hello It's Me

By golly, yes, yes, YES! You too, Labrador:

And finally, the best T-shirt ever made for toddlers by the band who changed all twee lives over the last 15 years, from poser producers of hipster indie films (I'm talking to you, 500 days of Summer) to actually amazing nerdy Australian music producers (Avalanches FTW):

Let the new decade show begin!

(mini-disclaimer: as I could not find the Pernice or Bettie tracks online, I created a tumblr account to post them and link back. this will be my temporary solution for things I can't find on the web. the songs are nearly impossible to be downloaded from their original page since they're posted on flash format, but I will take them down if any of the artists asks. there is no intention to profit out of this blog or its contents, only to promote great music and the artists hereby featured.)

(i wonder if i used "hereby" correctly in that sentence...)

Of All Times: The Avi Buffalo Edition

2010-01-03T11:02:00.001-08:00

As witnessed in many wickedly magniloquent top lists, music lovers have a soft spot for bold, hyperbolic statements, an activity He excels at above pretty much everyone else. "Of All Times" is an expression most commonly heard (but not limited to) after a few long necks or a surprising playlist entry. It's His equivalent to my seasonal obsessive loop-overplay gorging and this month it comes courtesy of Long Beachers Avi Buffalo and their first single What's it in for?.

Albeit innocent, Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg youthful talent carries a level of honesty and creativity well beyond what any of us skeptic geezers would expect from a recent high school graduate from southern California. His accomplishments are not a product of trying too hard, a sin most teenagers are guilty of indulging, making their spring 2010 debut (out on Subpop) already one of the most exciting new acts to watch out for this year. In the American Scenester vs. Hipster wars, the only real winner is the authenticity of those who stay away from it, and in Avi Buffalo, there's plenty of it to go around:

Here's to a 2010 full of All Times like these.

Consolation Prizes

2009-06-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

There was clearly no way Andrew Kenny was going to manage sitting quietly for long, especially after so prematurely disbanding beloved American Analog Set. Combining fellow regular contributors Chris Michaels and Leslie Sisson with David Wingo (originally of Ola Podrida and indie film scoring fame), along comes The Wooden Birds and their gorgeous debut, Magnolia. It resonates more like All-Time Quarterback and other more mellow, folk-friendly Kenny projects, but that is a great thing:

Speaking of spin-offs, what was once a couple of modest tracks on two compilations has now blossomed into a full-length album for dearly missed Alun Woodward (formerly of Delgados), under the name Lord Cut-Glass. Savour on a little nib while waiting for the official Chemikal Underground release on June 23rd.

Otherwise, see you all tonight for some of the very best of what you haven't heard yet!

Maldita Hits: Lykke Li - Little Bit

2009-06-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

A little bit of a cheat, He'd say, since this isn't the original. But how to leave unmentioned such amazing kind of talented sincerity?

And with her blessing and everything? Just couldn't.

Soft disturbance in the dead-fall

2009-06-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

There are many things to be said about The Hazards of Love:

However, talk is cheap when the wanting comes in waves.

The King of Win

2009-06-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

He would be the first to point out there is no irony lost in the only indie song titled after my name being Drug Song for Paula (and by a Scottish band, nonetheless). Admittedly, Arab Strap doesn't rank amongst my favourites of Northern Britain, but it's co-leading man, Malcolm Middleton, is a whole different story.

The first chapter begins with:

Malcolm himself has since dejected his persona from those gloomy times. But on that first Midwestern winter, that melody resonated more hauntingly amazing than depressing - not much unlike the season itself. Between a first tornado scare, inseparable pea coats, board games on New Year's eve, a St. Patrick's day properly celebrated, home was a place to enjoy quietly inside the heart, contemplating the surface of a truth priory (and wrongly) only reserved for afterthoughts: music is what feelings sound like.

We are home now and there's nothing to regret.

Shed of Joy

2009-06-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

For personal reasons, New Jersey hasn't been registering as much more than Trash-State-Area-hellmouth lately, but what do you know? Lovely Jenny Owen Youngs is here to change everything.

Following a mind-swinging tie of His soccer team this afternoon came an awesomely-loud listening session of the new Dinosaur Jr album, Starlight Mints and some Tortoise. He finally simmered down enough for (with?) the tenderness of our girl's newest Transmitter Failure.

Through songs accessible enough in their delicate coziness, yet intricate enough to put her above many of her contemporaries, a quite powerful voice emerges behind that ludic expression. Don't be fooled, you're next to fall in love:

Not that having a podcast called Once More With Feeling wouldn't have been reason enough.

Maldita Hits: Hari and Aino - Your Heartache and Mine

2009-05-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

This single happened way before the birth of this blog, but the song has since remained much like a fun puppy that is adorable and delightful to watch as it grows up and develops its own sense of self. From its eponymous EP to the highlight of Hari & Aino's full length debut, here is Sweden's sweetness-infused hit that keeps on hitting since the October 2007 Maldita Hits mix:

Until their follow up, Cloudberry Records keeps the excitement rolling this year with the release of yet another digital EP, A Considerate Kind of Home complete with more amusing twee cover Art:

Posters, please!

While he's sleeping

2009-04-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm scheeming...

My boyfriend's twitter

2009-04-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

Celebration is in motion as He finally caved and will start dutifully slathering our Twitters with music news, artists, songs, hits, links... we've been eagerly expecting you! Rejoice and have fun <3

(rss feed on the right soon to follow)

Home Schooling: Saddy Sessions

2009-04-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a penthouse? The one in question comes equipped with three floors, a massive television set (complete with a top-notch home theater), a baby grand piano and a cozy veranda, all of which allow many sorts of activities ranging from band rehearsal to Playstation tournaments. The lovable (and very welcoming) homeowner is Pelvs's own keyboard player, André Saddy, a fan of progressive rock, jazz and great barbecues. He is also the producer of the critically acclaimed Loki, a documentary recounting the life of Mutantes leader Arnaldo Baptista.

Last night marked another Friday evening hang out at Chez Saddy, kicking off with several hours of a fierce Winning 11 tournament. The chosen soundtrack included J Mascis's Martin + Me, a live record from 1996 featuring him and his beloved guitar on heartfelt acoustic Dino Jr renditions and a couple of covers. To borrow a quote from a fellow fan:

"On Martin and Me, J Mascis sings terribly, plays sloppily, showcases no new material, and covers the horrible, atavistic Lynard Skynard. This album is so much fun!"

Next came Ricardo's unlikely pick of a oldie but goodie Maldita hit dating back to the Ghetto days, I wish I was skinny by lo-fi darlings Boo Radleys. Soon followed the ever-classic Hatful of Hollow, gearing everyone up for the telecommunications event of the season: a live Coachella webcast of two of Britain's finest lads, Mr. Morrisey and Sir Paul McCartney. Over two hours of a glitchless commercial-free near-high definition transmission of a concert taking place thousands of miles away... where did the last century go?

During the stage set-up interval, there was still time for some Chet in Paris, celebrating the overall consensus that the only way Saddy's penthouse could be any better would be if it was actually in Paris.
One hell of a Friday night, by all means.

(more of Chez Saddy's picks here)

Tonight!

2009-04-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you His very own band:

Over the past 15 years, Pelvs has become a national indie treasure here in Brazil. Claiming to be a "loud surf" band, their sound actually incorporates far more complex landscapes, complete with their line-up of at least three electric guitars at all times. With a much notorious laid-back attitude, they have unfortunately only released a handful of albums through Midsummer Madness, but those in Rio de Janeiro have lucked out tonight: they are playing live at Cinematheque celebrating His birthday. Cake's on the house!

And then there was a film

2009-04-15T03:32:00.000-07:00

A short, very conceptual, beautifully done albeit perhaps a little tinsy tiny bit over on the Art school side - but a film, nonetheless! Starring some of our favourites (yes, you, Cillian) and featuring the snowy quietness of the Canadian winter as a background to an unorthodox love story and that amazing song.

Watch Kevin barely able to control his blazing love for her

and then fall in love yourself.

Wish list: NYC Popfest 2009

2009-04-08T17:22:00.001-07:00

Yes, that says The Radio Dept. right there. Yes, they are headliners. The real question is: is it really happening this time? The teasing has gone on far too long! That new album they refuse to release, the concerts at odd cities of the world, many other canceled dates... are the producers of this festival aware of this erratic behavior? Or are they so headoverheels for them (as the rest of us) that they're willing to take that leap? Who exactly do you think you are, New York City, some remote island in the Pacific? A little village in the middle of Hungary?

Scratch that, the real question is: anyone has two spare plane tickets to the U.S. this spring? Thanks in advance!

Maldita Hits: 90's edition

2009-04-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

In honor of last night's Back to the 90's edition with a whopping 5 hours of Him DJing solo, here's another unforgettable, nonsensical (and for that very same reason, brilliant) all-time classic Furry video featuring the best Winter Olympics Sport. Curious?

WARNING: song might cause sudden happiness spasms, choreographed dance outbursts and an uncanny wish to move to Wales.

Love is such a spectacle

2009-04-07T11:45:00.001-07:00

Imagine having the best dad one could ever wish for. Not only superbly talented, but surrounded by equals, so much that he was able to make what many would claim to be the most relevant rock band of all times. An inspired poet, a finely tuned musician, a marvelous hit-maker. Above it all, imagine being a toddler not realizing any of this while getting ice-cream with him after racing kites at the Park. Imagine having him as the best piano teacher and snow angel maker. Imagine the nights he put you to sleep, the mornings he cooked you breakfast, a morning just like that one when a maniac - when you didn't even know what "maniac" meant - suddenly stole all these dreams from you.

Fast-forward around 20 years later. Born into talent, you've managed to assemble good musicians and venture yourself in a couple of sucessful projects. You would think being that rich and gifted would eventually make things easier - not quite so. The rest of the (detached) world seems to not only loathe your mother (your only parent left), but also blame her for much of your own personal tragedy. Managing to have kept your emotions frailly alive, you seek care and tenderness in a relationship with a beautiful kind girl, all the while enlisting your best friend as your eternal confident. One day, these two once equally comforting worlds collide into a fireball of betrayal and hurt. As you attempt to regain conscience and perspective, an accident prematurely takes away one large piece of that foundation, never to return. Your tragic story has now achieved Greek proportions. What do you do about it?

If you are Sean Lennon, you make one of the most brilliant records of the 21st century. Because you are his son, because those snow angels never really faded, because you still loved him too much, and her as well. Because you were meant to do it.

Come around

2009-04-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

If this blog had begun in 2004 (around twelve centuries ago), the first first Maldita Hits post would most likely feature You take me, you break me". Back then, no better word could describe those lazy sunsets with thrilling dance floor music better than Summerland. That is, of course, prior to the result of some hard-earned research (scavenger hunt?) for Nedelle's first release (out on Kimchee Records), Republic of Two. Who knew bossa nova and a San Francisco jazz background would merge so well? It's amazing how some music can become poetry instead of the other way around.

Maldita Hits: Afternoon Naps - Postcard

2009-03-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

rejoice!

I always liked this the best

2009-03-29T08:53:00.001-07:00

(from her website:)

You: Oh but Annika what is it about?
HS: It’s about the north of Sweden, about going to the city and missing the countryside, and about going to the countryside and missing the city. It’s about love, and it’s about spooning without one arm getting numb.
You: Oh but Annika will there be a video?
HS: Yes, be patient child. There will be a link for the video in the end of this post.
You: Oh and Annika, where is it filmed?
HS: We filmed it at Vittjåkk. Time spent: 5 minutes. Budget: 0 Skr. I love it.

All hail His Queen

2009-03-26T17:14:00.001-07:00

Once in a purple moon (blue ones happen to often), when expectations are at their highest, they can actually be surpassed. Walking down Knightsbridge that afternoon, pass the park and into the breathtaking Royal Albert Hall, London already felt like the daydream of a lifetime. It could not, however, have prepared anyone for the religious experience that was coming next: seeing Feist work her magic. Magic is the perfect - if not only - word to describe the concert of a lifetime which we were privileged enough to attend. As luck would have it, two more dates were to follow, including a gigantic Canadian flag, firecrackers, a 50 euro lost bill and two music boxes. It all still (literally and constantly) resonates in our minds as it proves increasingly harder to describe and impossible to forget. Sometimes, the memory becomes overwhelming, words fail, joy triumphs. Today is one of those days:

Cheesiest post ever? Perhaps. Side effects of heaven...

(all photos by other fans properly credited here)

2009-03-24T18:47:00.001-07:00

benza

Alisons

2009-03-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

One of the perks of A Maldita are precious little once-in-a-lifetime moments. Sometimes it's that one amazing forgotten song that will never be played again, sometimes it's a bunch of songs in a row from the same album (when it seems too much of a heresy to not follow through with the track listing), sometimes a full half hour worth of an artist. A wonderful recent one was a three-way play of Alison tracks, who seemingly broke many rocker's hearts if you are to believe these three gentlemen:

This reminds me of another inside joke: somewhere in this room, there is a napkin that reads: "Mojave 3 is the best band in history - Signed: Spiral Stairs" . It used to hang on the wall as alarming proof of the sort of damage excessive alcohol combined with stationary and drunk Pavement alter egos can do (endless fun ensues!). One could argue His sober self perhaps prefers Slowdive, but unquestionably, Neil Halstead is one beloved lad around these lands:

Spiral Stairs, if you're reading this, your identity has been temporarily stolen, but it's for a good cause!

Maldita Hits: My Brittle heart

2009-03-14T09:09:00.001-07:00

second to last day of the best time of our lives

and why he ended up there:

Blazing: Decemberists and Camera Obscura

2009-03-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

As 2009 slowly unfolds its clusterf*** of new releases by (most of our) dearly beloved bands, the time has finally come to buckle up for the long-awaited The Hazards of Love opera-rock by The Decemberists.

For those unsuccessful on surrounding themselves by tasseled pillows and indentured eunuchs, better luck is literally in store as many listening parties have been organized throughout indie shops across the U.S. of A. Portland gets the first class treatment as the band itself is scheduled for some silver-sharpie sign-ups at Music Millennium on March 24th (6-8pm). For the rest of us mortals, release dates follow digitally and "vinyly" on March 17th and everywhere else on CD March 24th.

Suggesting an illegal (and nearly irresistible) immediate download would probably set off the folks from Camera Obscura, who also had their newest work leaked out this week, My Maudlin Career. Without getting into the touchy merits of righteousness vs. curiosity, it's suffice to say the albums will undoubtly please not only their fans but longing Concretes fans, as producer Jari Haapalainen steps up adding the perfect amount of "chamberness" to the tracks and a borderline-Swedish inclination to Tracyanne's voice.

Not convinced? Watch as they pull out a flawless spring hit out of their sleeve:

Follow their adventure as you shop for Portland's finest and brace yourself: this decade is going out with a bang!

Living in fables

2009-03-12T15:00:00.001-07:00

Between The L Word and British sensation Skins, NYC based sansei band Asobi Seksu has been dutifully picking up the steamy shows soundtrack slack. In spite of the mostly aerial Cocteau-ish sound landscapes reverberating from their latest release Hush, their dreampop magic works wonders for the dance floor as well:

or more recently

Asobi Seksu - Me & Mary from Aaron Stewart-Ahn on Vimeo.

Keeping them company in His dreampop hit playlist is Sweden's own Celestial, whose Crystal Heights track from their homonymous debut often remains unstuckable on Tuesday afternoons:

"crystal heights" by celestial from Music Is My Girlfriend on Vimeo.

Bop along further with three more very neat videos. Sweet dreams!

Meanwhile, on Dinoland...

2009-03-12T11:27:00.001-07:00

Even if Lou can't help himself to avoid an emoment

they still motherfrecking bring it everytime

as always

Pretend French

2009-03-10T17:44:00.003-07:00

Life with Him is an endless string of bold statements of who takes all sorts of "best ever" cakes. Last year, it seems Norwegian Je Suis Animal snagged the first slice of the much coveted #1 spot with their full length debut Self Taught Magic From A Book. Shoegazing through lovely ballads and dense guitars, soon followed a string of nearly self-proclaimed delicious hits. Case in point:

Who will dethrone them in 2009?

Wish list: Pernice Brothers

2009-03-10T17:44:00.001-07:00

Sometime a while ago (sic), the apparently silly but actually rather awesome idea of having an entire night of instrumental songs on the dance floor crossed His mind. This ballsy move is yet to take place, leaving the last few years to eagerly compile the cream of the crop of non-singed songs. Therefore, this wish list will remain open to editing for a while, so why not make its debut all the more special with some of Amherst's finest?

Between some extensive bittersweet blogging and unexpected friend plugging, they seem to be the eternal headliners of the ultimate dream gig (not much unlike our mixtapes). Will Massachusetts ever cease to win Him over?

Twindie

2009-03-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

For His eventual amusement:

Colin Meloy, Ed Droste, Neil Halstead, Mùm, The Most Serene Republic, Acid House Kings, Lucky Soul, Sonic Youth, Twee as Fuck, Vivian Girls, Camera Obcura, Arts & Crafts, Parasol, Heavenly Records, Labrador...

Wish list: Reunions

2009-03-06T08:19:00.001-08:00

Any day now. Come join us in a prayer:

We'll be waiting, waiting.

Wish list: Someday...

2009-03-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

<3

</3

Sweet Swedish Cycling

2009-03-05T15:14:00.001-08:00

She really is a rare breed.

Don't believe him? Bring it.

Maldita Hits: Deerhunter - Agoraphobia

2009-03-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

It's around 4:00 a.m., the air conditioner on full blast, the tiled floor making way for the last few rounds of fun. Enter her, Hi-Fi in one hand, soulmate in the other. In Telepathyland, it's Deerhunter o'clock as He gets ready to press play even before she enters the booth to request the song. Another brief justifying moment of why this party will never cease to be worthwhile:

They should come more often.

It really does!

2009-03-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

In between supervising my morning bed-making and waiting for me to get ready for the beach, He started our day off with His most recent pick for Best Current Band, It Hugs Back. This seems to be an awfully hard point to argue as one dives into the socks-rocking sounds of this pack of laid-back Brit lads. Next month, 4AD is doing the honor of putting their debut record out, very properly named "Inside your guitar". It sure sounds like a hell of an awesome place to be right now.

Wish list: Indietracks Festival

2009-03-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

How unfair is it not to be a millionaire? Him and I constantly daydream about a life filled exclusively of festivals and gig-hopping in Northern Europe, such as the newly announced 3rd edition of Indietracks. The event celebrates the 20th anniversary of Spanish-based Elefant Records, whose team of curators have put together an amazing line-up including Lucky Soul, Speedmarket Avenue, recently discovered One Happy Island, our dearest BMX Bandits and many other popsters. Camera Obscura fills one out of two headlining spots already announced to take part on the weekend adventure that includes three stages (one is a church!), a petting farm and unlimited rides on the steam railway.

If Oprah is listening, could she please spare a couple of wishful kids a couple thousand quids to help with airfare? We will take pictures with the llamas and bring you a t-shirt of your favourite band!

Wish list: Bobby makes way

2009-03-03T06:50:00.001-08:00

A while ago, le copain was roaming about in a quest for the recordings of Sweden's own Bobby Baby (a.k.a. Ella Blixt in solo music form). Firstly recording all songs on her own and releasing them through her website, she found a partner on net-label Corpid through which Some Place New was released on October 2005 and subsequently Four Remixes and Loves to Remix vol. 1 and 2. Soon followed her first actual EP, Loves to Dance through British indie label Red Letter Day Records on May, 2006.

Soon Malmö became too small for Ella, who upon moving to Berlin promptly started the wonderful It's a Musical with fellow swede Robert Kretzschmar (previously of Lady Boy). October 2008 saw the release of their debut album The music makes me sick through Morr Music. Borrowing influences from Burt Bacharach to Nico, Ella also paired up with German-based producer F.S. Blumm as Bobby & Blum for the release of their full length debut Everybody loves... under the same label on April, 2008.

On their website, the duo recounts:

"Everybody loves... was recorded 50 km north of Berlin, in a little house at the edge of the forest, in a room with wooden walls.. On "Everbody loves.." You will hear the crackling sounds of shellac-records, a caressing clothes-brush, some fingertips on greaseproof-paper, swinging coathangers in the nighttrain to cracow, flatwound-strings on a big guitar and above all a gentle and silky voice."

For more Bobby Baby download galore visit: http://www.bobbybaby.net/music.html

2009-03-02T11:04:00.001-08:00

make it be

Maldita Hits: Pocketbooks - Fallen Leaves

2009-03-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite (and surely most annoying) activities during the party is playing with the dance floor lights. The strobe and side lights help create the friendly shoegazing mood for all the resident air-guitarists, but every so often pops out a song that absolutely calls for the light globe, which otherwise remains mostly turned off. This magical moment is often preceded by a one-instrument break anticipating the blazing bopping-about moment and in this category, Londoners Pocketbooks have been taking the cake lately thanks to their helpless-dance-frenzy-inducing Fallen Leaves. Genetically speaking, if Belle & Sebastian and Ben Folds Five had a baby in 1997, this is what it would sound like. Judging from the potential of their Waking Up EP, good times are in store for their upcoming full length debut record Flight Paths expected to drop later this year (via How Does It Feel to be Loved?).

Can't wait to turn those lights on again! Meanwhile, make sure to check them out on tour if you're England-bound. Here's a little taste for those who life far away:

Home schooling: Lazy Sundays

2009-02-27T10:27:00.001-08:00

Given His family's amazing cooking skills, no wonder those music genes were so well bred. Luckily enough, He always has a playlist ready for those moments of post-meal summer laziness and last Sunday afternoon was no different.

We started of with some of New Zealand's finest, Minisnap, descendents of bonafide indie pop alumni The Bats. This time around, usual Bats lead Robert Scott makes way in the center spotlight for the lovely Kay Woodward. Her voice couldn't have better complimented the evident sweetness emerging throughout their first release Bounce Around (through Magic Marker).

And they have a video!

Soon followed Keeping up appearances, the third album by Stockholm's The Charade. With members deriving from the likes of Red Sleeping Beauty and The Shermans, this new release via Skipping Stones Records most definitely takes their pop-making skills to the next level with several party hit promises.

No word on new videos yet, but hopefully the unofficial song of Sweden's 2006 football til will hold everyone over for the time being:

The next band was a little harder to track... Robert Church & The Holy Community don't seem to have disclosed a lot of information about them aside this great interview in which the duo discusses their own music, influences, recommendations and the current Swedish music scene. I will take a wild guess that He came across this band from their cover of Dinosaur Jr's Little Furry Things for the Lost Sound Tapes Mother's Day 2008 compilation. This February's release of their full length debut Le Rouge is quickly being followed by another addition to their already extensive EP collection, Wizard On Fire, containing four new songs on 3" CD format as part of an EP series by Series Two Records) (also featuring: Double Dan, The Argyle Wishlist and Flannel)

While we nap for an extra 15 minutes, check out their adorable video for Captain D, shop for Minisnap merch or check out what Paste Magazine has to say about those lovely Charades.

Between us

2009-02-12T16:54:00.001-08:00

It's going to be one hell of a ride attempting to follow the man, but I'm willing to try my best to make him proud.

Meanwhile, you can witness my beloved one in action every Monday night if you happen to be Rio de Janeiro bound. Here we go!