Compliments: Bloc Party's A Weekend In The City

An abridged version of this review appears in today's Washington Square News.

Bloc Party's sophomore album A Weekend in the City has the difficult task of following their critically-acclaimed 2004 debut Silent Alarm. Despite this burden, Weekend represents a growth in scope without compromising the band's nervy indie rock delivery, as the band addresses complex subject matter while still maintaining their sonic foundation.

As the album title implies, much of the album's content alludes to urban living and its many discontents. The band’s unabashed romanticism remains evident from the opening line - “I am trying to be heroic in an age of modernity” - but this yearning is tempered with realism, with allusions ranging from xenophobia ("Hunting for Witches") to conformity ("Uniform"). While Silent Alarm dealt with politics obliquely ("Helicopter") or explicitly ("Price of Gasoline"), Weekend strikes a balance between esoteric and universal turmoil by combining highly personal lyrics with a socially conscious outlook.

Stylistically, Bloc Party expand their palette, incorporating samples ranging from bird calls to distorted newscasters, as well as an arsenal of synths, drum machines, and strings. However, the foundation of an energetic rhythm section, coupled with angular guitar work, is preserved effectively. Lead singer Kele Okereke remains at the forefront, with his elastic voice ranging from his familiar art-punk yelp (“The Prayer”) to a more melodic croon (“Uniform”).

The songs are also more anthemic, with virtually every track swelling to a stadium-sized chorus, as the early highlight “Waiting For The 7.18” epitomizes with the massive rendition of the line, “Let’s drive to Brighton on the weekend!” The album remains accessible, despite its often difficult themes, but stylistic homogeneity leads to difficulty in maintaining momentum, as the second half of the album suffers from repetitious structuring. However, "Sunday" is an example of success through simplicity, as the refrain “I’ll love you in the morning/ When you’re still hung over” proves that the band does not always need to be intellectual to be meaningful - or moving.

Buy: Here
Previously: Yusuf's An Other Cup

The Solution: Arcade Fire on KCRW

Salvation, thy name is MediaFire, back to uploading!

This post is a nostalgia trip. I "discovered" Arcade Fire (as you'll hear in the interview, "the" is optional), in retrospect, probably a good few months after they made their gigantic debut with Funeral. This was a number of years ago, back when I watched MTV2, so I guess exposure is understandably delayed. Before I even heard the album, I came across a few of the songs from this set, but unfortunately I never really gave them a listen, not that I would have been able to appreciate it back in my musical infancy.

But after hearing both albums and watching the band sell off a slew of dates right on campus, I can really understand the quality. But it isn't just a list of great tracks, but also an enlightening experience. I'm actually going to be doing my first interview tomorrow afternoon (details upcoming, of course), but here's a pretty great example of one. I didn't know that Win was so feisty...or a Texan. Anyhow, it was recorded on KCRW on January 17th 2005, and you'd imagine that the band will be returning to the station soon.

These are click-through links; sorry it isn't ideal.

Enjoy:

1. Intro [Link]
2. Wake Up [Link]
3. Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles) [Link]
4. Vampire/Forest Fire [Link]
5. Interview [Link]
6. Intervention [Link]
7. Born On A Train (Magnetic Fields Cover) [Link]
8. In The Back Seat [Link]
9. Outro [Link]

Post-mortem: Here

In The Mix: Miss Kitten and Vitalic at Fuse

I guess it's not that surprising that I feel an empathy towards DJs. I mean, I think every music fan - particularly one as fascinated with electronic music as myself - desires to wield the turntables, no matter how embarrassing such an event might be. The proliferation of remixes into generally non-electronic realms has also led to a pretty egalitarian institution, at least from my skewed perspective. I mean, even the most interconnected groups pale in comparison to the level of collaboration and teamwork that's so central to electronica.

Miss Kitten and Vitalic display this teamwork in the following DJ set, recorded at the club Fuse in Brussels, Belgium on May 18th, 2002. Both artists aren't just content reworking other material, but have a number of original releases in addition to collaborations. This sort of music isn't for everyone, but for those who appreciate it, I think it offers a musical experience that's totally unique.

Enjoy:

1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3
4. Part 4
5. Part 5
6. Part 6
7. Part 7
8. Part 8
9. Part 9
10. Part 10

Buy: Here and Here


So, you may have noticed that some previous posts have malfunctioning links. MyDataBus has unfortunately restricted their daily bandwidth, so hosting is again a bit of a problem. If you have any ideas for alternative hosts, please let me know, but I'll try to fix things up. Sorry about any inconvenience.

The Week That Was #5: Disco Infiltrator

Hm, apparently I've still been listening to the old stuff a bunch (and Sally Shapiro). While rediscovering how much you enjoy favorites is always a good time, it doesn't really make for a particularly fresh set of picks. So, in the interest of variety, let's dive deeper and look at some new artists, some of which are already dominating this week. Enjoy!


The duo Azure Ray is signed to the prominent Saddle Creek Records. They've definitely embraced that indie collective, appearing on both Bright Eyes and Now It's Overhead works, in addition to their own solo efforts. I suppose my first encounter was noticing that Maria Taylor's 11:11 shares a name with Regina Spektor and I just read that they also co-wrote a Moby song, which is pretty convenient. Anyways, this track is a really nice slice of that indie pop that we all cherish, with just a hint of synth.

MP3: Azure Ray - New Resolution
Buy: Here


I've heard a lot of good things about the somewhat new BT album, This Binary Universe. It's definitely epic, with seven tracks spanning over seventy minutes, but the ambition seems more horizontal than vertical. In other words, whenever I expected a song to get huge, it settles back to a pleasant, but manageable point. The exception is this closing track, which reaches the emotional heights that I'd expect of the producer-turned film scorer. I'm not ready to call it the first electronic masterpiece of the new millennium, as I read somewhere, but it is really, really good.

MP3: BT - Good Morning Kaia
Buy: Here

I guess traditional advertising does still work, but only when there's some preexisting inclination. I was up at the Virgin Megastore* on Union Square a couple nights ago, and I came across Cicada's self-titled album a number of times, once in the electronica (or dance) section, and later in a shelf of staff picks. Admittedly, I'm predisposed to like this sort of stuff - synth-drenched, female-fueled electropop - but when their MySpace cites everyone from Cocteau Twins to Daft Punk, I'd think there's something here for everyone. I've also included their excellent remix of Editors, which provided my introduction to Cicadian production.

MP3: Cicada - You Got Me Feeling
MP3: Editors - All Sparks (Cicada Mix)
Buy: Here

*Bitter:Sweet will be doing an in-store interview at this locale on February 14th at 6:30 pm, a night before their show at Joe's Pub. Prizes will be given.


Diplo is the man. You've inevitably seen his name alongside some remix, and his album Florida keeps the sampler very much in force. It's a bit of a throwback, with Shadowesque cut-and-paste, as well as an appearance from Martina Topley-Bird on this first track. The second track I'm posting is an ambitious, eight-and-a-half minute meander, with a sample that really jumped out at me...

MP3: Diplo - Into The Sun
MP3: Diplo - Summer's Gonna Hurt You
Buy: Here


Yeah, it's Múm! I don't know what's making that sound, but you can definitely hear a piece of this song sampled on that Diplo track. So, it's been a while...Múm released their Peel Session a couple weeks ago, although they still haven't had any new studio work in a couple years. That isn't to say that I've exhausted their work by any means, unfortunately I haven't explored much beyond Yesterday Was Dramatic. On the bright side, this is one of my favorite tracks, as it's one of the few on the album with vocals. This is a good place to start if you're new to the group.

MP3: Múm - The Ballad of the Broken Birdie Records
Buy: Here


I revisited the classic Moby album Play over the weekend. Instead of looking towards the popular hip-hop/turntablism link, Moby explores African-American culture by sampling various blues and soul vocalists, which provides a backbone for his electronics. While reminiscent of earlier Massive Attack at times, it's definitely a distinctively organic and danceable work. Here's the track that made one of those arbitrary "Top 1,000 Songs" books I was flipping through back at Union Square, and while I question that inclusion, I can't dispute the quality of the song.

MP3: Moby - Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?
Buy: Here


Apparently, Sophie Ellis-Bextor's upcoming album, from which the blazing single "Catch You" originates, won't be coming out for a bit. That song's been eating up my listening time (again, check out Merry Swankster for the mp3), but another track I've really enjoyed is her collaboration with Spiller. It was later recorded live and released as part of the international version of Read My Lips, and both versions are worth hearing.

MP3: Spiller - Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)
MP3: Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) [Live]
Buy: Here

Citrus: Pulp at Glastonbury Festival

A couple months ago, Jarvis Cocker was just the co-author of the songs of Charlotte Gainsbourg's lovely 5:55, as well as having some vague membership in some band called Pulp. I guess nothing's really changed since then, but becoming somewhat familiar with his material really heightens my appreciation for him. Upon hearing that Jarvis was touring in support of his recent solo release, as well as appearing on the new Air album, I figured it was about time I gave Pulp a chance. I went with the acclaimed This Is Hardcore, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I guess the band is considered Britpop, but there's definitely a darker element to this album, akin to the melancholy that pervades the otherwise soothing 5:55. While the hooks, often derived from Jarvis' impressive vocals, make their songs accessible and appealing, but it's this undercurrent that makes them really interesting. I'll definitely investigate the rest of their catalogue, as well as the solo effort Jarvis.

Here's the band's appearance at the Glastonbury Festival on June 28th, 1998, featuring a bunch of material from the aforementioned This Is Hardcore. Unfortunately, track two is missing, but the strength of the other tracks makes for a great set.

Enjoy:

1. The Fear
2. ?
3. I'm A Man
4. Live Bed Show
5. Seduction Barry
6. Sorted for E's & Wizz
7. TV Movie
8. A Little Soul
9. Party Hard
10. Help The Aged
11. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E
12. This Is Hardcore
13. Glory Days

Squeeze: Here

Pur: Cat Power in Paris

Cat Power is in town. Ms. Marshall will be playing two sets at the Hiro Ballroom (21+, unfortunately) on February 5th and 6th, and she played tonight at the MoMa. It's been an impressive year for her since the release of The Greatest, and while I'm not completely attuned to her style of music, I definitely respect her. Here's a trip down memory lane, recorded on May 4th, 2002 at Café de la Danse in Paris. I'm not sure if all the tags are correct, so if there are any errors, do post corrections.

Enjoy:

1. Sad Sad Song
2. Names
3. Maybe Not
4. Evolution
5. Witness
6. When You Go Back
7. My Daddy / All Night Long
8. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
9. The Party
10. 6 Feet Underground
11. Ordinary Life
12. Keep On Runnin'
13. Metal Heart
14. Banter
15. Werewolf

And, what the heck, how about a minimix? Chan covered the Velvet Underground's "I Found A Reason" on her Covers Record, a song that I'm most familiar with via Massive Attack's sample of the distorted title line, which appears in the great "Risingson." Last but not least, the Dntel track (possibly) name-drops both Chan and Evan Dando, and in any case, it's a great intersection of indietronica and indie rock. It also features Ben Gibbard, and it basically kicked off the Postal Service. Small world. Oh, and if we're lucky, 2007 will see new releases from Dntel and Massive Attack (and if we're really lucky, the Postal Service), titled Dumb Luck and Weather Underground respectively.

MP3: Cat Power - I Found A Reason
MP3: The Velvet Underground - I Found A Reason
MP3: Massive Attack - Risingson
MP3: Dntel - (This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chan

Find A Reason: Here

Yesterday Was Dramatic: M83 at Saint-Malo

As promised, here's a live set from M83. I guess France's fascination with electronica has been pretty well documented, but these guys (well, guy, as it's now just Anthony Gonzalez) do something pretty unique. Much as Morr artists infuse their indietronica with shoegaze influences, M83 does the same with their keyboard-based sound. The distinction is that the former preserve shoegaze's introverted, distorted outlook, while M83 concentrates on overloading your ears. The track I posted, "Teen Angst," is a great example of this maxim, but as with most music I'm into, there's also a strong sense of melody.

This set is kinda tricky. It was recorded at La Route Du Rock in Saint-Malo, France on August 12th, 2001, so it's not the best indication of the current state of M83. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any contemporary live stuff from the band floating around, with one exception; although I wasn't able to get my hands on it, you can also stream their KCRW performance. I'm also not sure of the names of these tracks, so if anyone could clarify, I'd be much obliged.

Enjoy:

1. Part I
2. Part II
3. Part III
4. Part IV
5. Part V

$: Here

Ride: Band of Horses on KEXP

Let's close out the rather eventful month with a little set from Band of Horses. Again, I'm not really familiar with this group, aside from the buzz-generating track, "The Funeral." Nonetheless, this short but sweet KEXP set is some pretty good indie rockin'. It was recorded on April 13th, 2006.

Enjoy:

1. The Great Salt Lake
2. Part One
3. Wicked Gil
4. The Funeral

Part Two: Here

In other news (monthly retrospective edition)...

Pitchfork reports that Ladytron will be paired with Nine Inch Nails during their European tour, while also providing an mp3 of "Sugar." According to the 'tron official site, the show at New York's Capitale will be free, but obtained tickets looks to be a hassle (smoking kills, kids).

Good Weather for Airstrikes has a monstrous end-of-year video retrospective. Look out for a songs list soon.

rbally is over. Jennings, thanks for everything; you'll be sorely missed!

Pretentious Prattle gets a facelift.

The Rangers' short-lived two game winning streak comes to an end in Toronto, much to PB&J's dismay. Incidentally, "Wicked Gil" is on NHL2K7 (thanks, Wikipedia).

Happy February, folks!

Interlude: Discovery

While it remains uncertain if Pitchfork's role as a tastemaker is for better or worse, my completely arbitrary belief is that they've found a gem in Sally Shapiro. Much like fellow Swedish (and Pitchfork-endorsed) group The Knife, Sally's identity remains a mystery. Although she appears unmasked, her actual name has not been revealed. While this creates a sense of anonymity, the strength of the songs make her extremely appealing, although I'm predisposed to like this sort of stuff. Here are some samples, generously provided via the official site.

Enjoy:

MP3: Sally Shapiro - I'll Be By Your Side
MP3: Sally Shapiro - I Know
MP3: Sally Shapiro - Anorak Christmas

Buy: Here

Honey Power: The Jesus and Mary Chain Live

A lot of the buzz surrounding this year's Coachella concerns the reunion of the Jesus and Mary Chain. Despite having a fondness for shoegaze and Scotland alike, I'm not really familiar with the group, so this set represented a fresh listen. I'm not quite convinced that JAMC are really shoegaze, although they seem to be lumped into that group. They're definitely more rock-oriented and less "dreamy" than some of the latter 'gazers, so it isn't quite the love-at-first-listen a la, say, Slowdive. Nonetheless, I'll give their studio recordings a chance and get back to you on them at some point.

Here's the set, recorded on October 14th, 1994. It's tagged as "Jackseon The Edge" for album, but I haven't any notion where that is. If anyone could shed some light on the locale, that would be appreciated.

Enjoy:

1. Intro
2. Blues From A Gun
3. Taste The Floor
4. Hole
5. Everybody I Know
6. Dirty Water
7. Far Gone and Out
8. Save Me
9. Girlfriend
10. Catchfire
11. Happy When It Rains
12. Come On
13. Snakedriver
14. Nine Million Rainy Days
15. Sugar Ray
16. Gold Help Me
17. Sidewalking

Destroy Rock & Roll: Here

Dust Galaxy: Stars Demos

Hm, another band that needs to release something immediately. I heart Stars. That's not a clunky pun, that's an understatement. I mean, I was just comparing them last week to the Dears, whom I've grown to appreciate, but Stars are on a different orbit altogether. But it really has been too long; the great Set Yourself On Fire was released almost two years ago (three in Canada). Now, I can't really fault them - between Broken Social Scene, Amy Millan's forays into country and Torq's work with Memphis, they've been quite busy in the last few months.

So does anyone remember this Pitchfork blurb concerning their remix album? We were chatting about it over at the Torture Garden, before Arcade Fire madness set it (Go Montreal!), and I guess there's a chance of it coming out soon, at least in some limited distribution. They've posted a remix of "The First Five Times" over at their MySpace, and what looks like a the album cover, so I guess the signs are somewhat positive.

Anyways, today's (yet another) time for retrospection. Stars actually started out as a duo in NYC, and their first album Nightsongs substitutes much of the subsequent orchestral elements for electronics. These demos date from that earlier time, and while the arrangements may be simpler, they're just as pretty. Thanks to Katherine from Counting Stars on the Ceiling for the request. Again, feel free to submit your own.

Enjoy:

1. Counting Stars on the Ceiling
2. My Radio
3. International Rock Star
4. Tru
5. The Very Thing
6. On Peak Hill (ft. Emily Haines)
7. Going, Going, Gone (ft. Emily Haines)
8. Write What You Know
9. Tonight
10. Better Be Heaven
11. When?
12. This Charming Man (The Smiths Cover)
13. Liar
14. The Woods
15. Your Love
16. Better Be Heaven (Reprise)
17. Moonlight
18. London Fields
19. Gangster's Apprentice
20. A New Year

Friend of the Night: Here

The Week That Was #4: January Is Endless

Wow, I didn't know I liked the Dears that much. I guess seeing a band live really does make a difference; Camera Obscura's up there, too. The rest of the week is kind of skewed to what was posted on the blog, but I heard some of the artists - #2, #6 and #10 - for the first time last week. It's always tricky finding that balance between old and new, but I'm pretty happy with last week's distribution. Enjoy the picks:


This song is a big reason why the Dears have been atop the charts over the last two weeks. It starts out sparsely, with Murray's characteristic delivery, but eventually turns into a huge, harmonious crescendo, probably the best build this side of "The Bleeding Heart Show." After a little synth interlude, and it gets even bigger, with Murray's "You and I" partnered with Natalia's "We've got the same heart." While there's clearly a romantic element - particularly in light of their marriage - there's a universality here that speaks to anyone who's ever been an outsider.

MP3: The Dears - You and I Are A Gang of Losers
Buy: Here


Bowery Electric, as their name suggests, hail from the isle of Manhattan, and they really show off the nocturnal side of the city. Ethereal, understated vocals and enrapturing instrumental give birth to a sound that is as desolate as it is seductive. Admittedly, this combination has been utilized frequently, but originality sometimes has to take a backseat to sheer proficiency. In a landscape saturated with downtempo, Bowery Electric sticks out.

MP3: Bowery Electric - Saved
Buy: Here


It's appropriate that this song's title translates into "the world" (thanks, Babelfish), as Thievery Corporation incorporates a cosmopolitan blend of influences, ranging from Brazilian, Middle Eastern and, of course, French. I've quite a weakness for the latter, and I think this track is exquisite.

MP3: Thievery Corporation - Le Monde
Buy: Here


Rachel Goswell is, esoterically, a musical goddess on par with Liz Fraser and Emma Pollock (who has finished an album). While Rachel provides the heights of Souvlaki, as well as contributing later to Mojave 3, she's often overshadowed by Neil Halstead. Perhaps in an effort to differentiate, she had a solo release a couple years ago, Waves Are Universal. Although it didn't resonate critically or commercially, perhaps because it doesn't deviate much from her past, I've found the strength of her voice to be more than enough. This track is the clear highlight, marrying atmosphere churn with her dreamy delivery.

MP3: Rachel Goswell - Coastline
Buy: Here


One notable absence from that Aphex Twin set is "4," the opener to the Richard D. James Album. While the presence of a lively drum machine makes the song danceable, this track is more of an example of his ambient learnings. A downright pretty synth provides some gentle hooks, and some vague vocal samples add up to a weird, but soothing listen. He's really not that scary after all! Oh, and check out the video.

MP3: Aphex Twin - 4
Buy: Here


I think we can give Bloc Party the "band with the best taste" award (Snow Patrol isn't bad, either). Not only is Silent Alarm Remixed a fine work in its own right, but every single remixer is fantastic. I finally gave M83's Before The Dawn Heals Us my full attention last week, and it's gorgeous. Ethereal vocals reminiscent of Sigur Rós blend seamlessly with a multitude of synths, creating something as melodic as it is melodramatic. I might be posting a live set from these guys later in the week, so stay tuned.

MP3: M83 - Teen Angst
Buy: Here


The great opener to Mogwai's Mr. Beast gets a glitchy makeover in this companion to the "Travel Is Dangerous" single, and no, I don't get the artwork either. While the guitar-fueled crash (or piano, in this case) that characterizes Mogwai's usual sound is pretty disparate from electronic noodling, it's an effective unity in this case.

MP3: Mogwai - Auto Rock (Errors Remix)
Buy: Here


Sophie Ellis-Bextor caught my eye on the new Forkcast feature in a wicked display of synth-pop. (Merry Swankster has the mp3.) I'll definitely be keeping an eye on her upcoming album, but ever the fan of connections, I investigated her history a bit. Not only did she collaborate with the Manic Street Preachers and Spiller, but she was also in a band called theaudience. While it's a bit of a departure from her glammy future endeavors, there's a definite upside here.

MP3: theaudience - I Know Enough (I Don't Get Enough)
Buy: Here