Este fim de ano está a fechar tragicamente com a partida de nomes importantíssimos da música. Rowland S. Howard também se foi embora, hoje, vitima de cancro no figado.
Ele, guitarrista e compositor, foi o braço direito de Nick Cave, na Austrália e depois na Grã-Bretanha, nos The Boys Next Door e nos Birthday Party, para além de ter tido uma carreira a solo longa mas que resultou em apenas dois discos (lançou um este ano, "Pop Crimes). Rowland S. Howard colaborou com muitos dos nomes maiores da cena alternativa, de Lydya Lunch a Nikki Sudden, não esquecendo Fad Gadget, The Go Betweens, Einstürzende Neubauten,Barry Adamson, Henry Rollins, para além de ter sido membro dos Crime & City Solution(depois da dissolução dos Birthday Party) e depois dos These Immortal Souls. Ao longo dos anos, também colaborou com Nick Cave por diversas vezes. Um dos seus companheiros de jornada, tanto a solo como em bandas, foi Mick Harvey.
Rowland S. Howard - "Shivers" (tema que escreveu na adolescência)
The Boys Next Door (a primeira banda de Cave e Howard juntos) - "Shivers"
Lydia Lunch & Rowland S. Howard - Dead River
Crime & The City Solution - "I Have the Gun"
These Immortal Souls - "Marry Me"
quarta-feira, dezembro 30, 2009
Vídeos dos (meus) Melhores de 2009:: The Antlers
Vídeo de um fã, criado a partir da colagem de fotos que encontrou no Flicker, para o tema "Kettering", de "Hospice", disco dos The Antlers:
Vídeos dos (meus) Melhores de 2009:: Veils
De "Sun Gangs", o último disco dos The Veils, "The Letter":
Vídeos dos (meus) Melhores de 2009:: Big Pink
Do disco "A Brief History of Love", o single "Too Young To Love", dos Big Pink:
Vídeos dos (meus) Melhores de 2009:: Dan Auerbach
Tema de "Keep It Hid", disco de Dan Auerbach, que devem conhecer dos Black Keys:
Tim Hart (1948-2009)
O cantor folk e multi-instrumentista Tim Hart, membro fundador da banda britânica Steeleye Span, faleceu aos 61 anos devido a um cancro pulmonar. (Ler The Guardian)
terça-feira, dezembro 29, 2009
Os (meus) Melhores de 2009
INTERNACIONAIS
Andrew Bird - "Noble Beast"
Animal Collective - "Merriweather Post Pavilion"
The Antlers - "Hospice"
Bon Iver - "Blood Bank"
Bear In Heaven - "Beast Rest Forth Mouth"
The Big Pink - "A Brief History of Love"
Cymbals Eat Guitars - "Why There Are Mountains"
Dan Auerbach - "Keep It Hid"
Fanfarlo - "Reservoir"
Florence + The Machine - "Lungs"
Girls - "Album"
Grizzly Bear - "Vexkatimest"
Health - "Get Color"
Kasabian - "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum"
Lilly Allen - "It´s Not Me, It´s You"
Miike Snow - "Miike Snow"
Neko Case - "Middle Cyclone"
Phoenix - "Wolfgang Amadeus"
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - "The Pains of Being Pure At Heart"
Prefab Sprout - "Let´s Change The World With Music"
Sonic Youth - "The Eternal"
The Veils - "Sun Gangs"
We Fell To Earth - "We Fell To Earth"
White Rabbits - "It´s Frightening"
Wild Beasts - "Two Dancers"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "It´s Blitz"
XX - "XX"
----------------------\\\\\\\
NACIONAIS
Andrew Thorn - "Brutes on the Quiet"
Doismileoito - "Doismileoito"
The Legendary Tigerman - "Femina"
Mazgani - "Tell The People"
Micro Audio Waves - "Zoetrope" (e melhor design de capa/disco)
Sean Riley & The Slow Riders - "Only Time Will Tell"
The Weatherman - "Jamboree Park at The Milky Way"
Andrew Bird - "Noble Beast"
Animal Collective - "Merriweather Post Pavilion"
The Antlers - "Hospice"
Bon Iver - "Blood Bank"
Bear In Heaven - "Beast Rest Forth Mouth"
The Big Pink - "A Brief History of Love"
Cymbals Eat Guitars - "Why There Are Mountains"
Dan Auerbach - "Keep It Hid"
Fanfarlo - "Reservoir"
Florence + The Machine - "Lungs"
Girls - "Album"
Grizzly Bear - "Vexkatimest"
Health - "Get Color"
Kasabian - "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum"
Lilly Allen - "It´s Not Me, It´s You"
Miike Snow - "Miike Snow"
Neko Case - "Middle Cyclone"
Phoenix - "Wolfgang Amadeus"
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - "The Pains of Being Pure At Heart"
Prefab Sprout - "Let´s Change The World With Music"
Sonic Youth - "The Eternal"
The Veils - "Sun Gangs"
We Fell To Earth - "We Fell To Earth"
White Rabbits - "It´s Frightening"
Wild Beasts - "Two Dancers"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "It´s Blitz"
XX - "XX"
----------------------\\\\\\\
NACIONAIS
Andrew Thorn - "Brutes on the Quiet"
Doismileoito - "Doismileoito"
The Legendary Tigerman - "Femina"
Mazgani - "Tell The People"
Micro Audio Waves - "Zoetrope" (e melhor design de capa/disco)
Sean Riley & The Slow Riders - "Only Time Will Tell"
The Weatherman - "Jamboree Park at The Milky Way"
domingo, dezembro 27, 2009
Vic Chesnutt (1964-2009)
Vic Chesnutt era um dos mais importantes compositores contemporâneos do pop-rock norte-americano, dado a conhecer ao mundo pelo melómano e "vizinho" de Athens, Georgia, Michael Stipe(Stipe lembra Vic Chesnutt na NPR). Foi o vocalista dos R.E.M. que produziu os seus primeiros dois discos, Little (1990) e West of Rome (1991). Michael Stipe ainda viria a emprestar a voz a um tema do quarto disco de Chesnutt, "Is The Actor Happy?" (1995) mas só após a segunda compilação "Sweet Relief II", feita de versões de temas de Chesnutt por diversos artistas, entre os quais Madonna com Joe Henry, os Cracker, os Sparklehorse, os REM, ou os Soul Asylum, é que Chesnutt se tornou um artista visível para além do circuito alternativo tendo isso sido reflectido na atenção que teve "About To Choke", lançado três meses depois de "Sweet Relief II". Dois anos depois, para a sua história musical, em disco, sobre um vendedor, "The Salesman and Bernardette", Vic Chesnutt convida os seus amigos Lambchop para gravarem consigo. Dois discos depois, em "Ghetto Bells" (2005), Vic Chesnutt tem a tocar consigo dois grandes, Bill Frisell e Van Dyke Parks. Em 2006 fez parte e andou em digressão com o projecto The Undertow Orchestra, do qal faziam parte, além de Chesnutt, David Bazan (Headphones e Pedro The Lion), Will Johnson (Centro-Matic), e Mark Eitzel (American Music Club). Em 2007, em "North Star Deserter", trabalhou com Bruce Cawdron (Godspeed! You Black Emperor), Guy Picciotto (Fugazi) e com a Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra, que voltaria a acompanhá-lo no primeiro disco deste ano, "At The Cut". "Skitter on Take-Off", também de 2009, sucedeu a "At The Cut" e foi produzido por Jonathan Richman.
Vic Chesnutt, paraplégico desde os dezoito anos, devido a um acidente de viação, sofria de depressão e decidiu pôr termo à sua vida, com uma overdose de medicamentos, no dia 24 de Dezembro. Sobreviveram a Chesnutt a sua esposa, Tina, e uma talentosa obra de catorze discos reconhecida por alguns dos maiores e mais importantes músicos e compositores do actual pop/rock.
---------------------------------------------------
Vic Chesnutt para um programa de televisão canadiano de música ao vivo, "The Neighbors Dog", gravado em pequenos locais, e emitido em exclusivo para Saskatchewan, uma província canadiana que faz fronteira, a sul, com os estados, dos EUA, do Dakota do Norte e Montana.
Vic Chesnutt (ao vivo em Novembro a tocar um tema de "Chain" do seu recente disco "At The Cut")
Elf Power com Vic Chesnutt - "Everybody Hurts"
Vic Chesnutt - "Band Camp"
Undertow Orchestra
Vic Chesnutt, paraplégico desde os dezoito anos, devido a um acidente de viação, sofria de depressão e decidiu pôr termo à sua vida, com uma overdose de medicamentos, no dia 24 de Dezembro. Sobreviveram a Chesnutt a sua esposa, Tina, e uma talentosa obra de catorze discos reconhecida por alguns dos maiores e mais importantes músicos e compositores do actual pop/rock.
---------------------------------------------------
Vic Chesnutt para um programa de televisão canadiano de música ao vivo, "The Neighbors Dog", gravado em pequenos locais, e emitido em exclusivo para Saskatchewan, uma província canadiana que faz fronteira, a sul, com os estados, dos EUA, do Dakota do Norte e Montana.
Vic Chesnutt (ao vivo em Novembro a tocar um tema de "Chain" do seu recente disco "At The Cut")
Elf Power com Vic Chesnutt - "Everybody Hurts"
Vic Chesnutt - "Band Camp"
Undertow Orchestra
quarta-feira, dezembro 23, 2009
Vitaminas Para Ti
Os canadianos vitaminsforyou, um projecto de Bryce Kushnier, que começou apenas com ele, fizeram uma excelente versão de "Shelter", tema dos XX.
Um Local Para Enterrar Estranhos (Parte II)
Se não olharem para o vídeo de "Keep Slipping Away", dos A Place To Bury Strangers, trio de Brooklyn liderado por Oliver Ackermann, o som não vos recorda os The Mission? Este tema é de "Exploding Head", o seu mais recente trabalho.
terça-feira, dezembro 22, 2009
I Blame Coco
I Blame Coco é o projecto de Coco Sumner (nome real: Eliot Pauline Sumner), filha de Sting. "Caesar" é o single de apresentação com a colaboração da sueca Robyn. O single terá versões misturadas pelos Miike Snow e Diplo. Talvez as misturas salvem o barco.
Joe Strummer - 7 anos
Faz hoje 7 anos que Joe Strummer faleceu.
Há dez anos, Strummer com os Mescaleros tocam Clash:
Há dez anos, Strummer com os Mescaleros tocam Clash:
sexta-feira, dezembro 18, 2009
4AD Oferece Presente de Natal
A famosa 4AD decidiu este Natal oferecer o seu 2009 Music Sampler a todas as almas que queiram. Só necessitam de indicar o vosso e-mail e descarregar a prenda.
Queda Montanha Abaixo
A 25 de Janeiro está por aí o novo dos Tindersticks, "Falling Down A Mountain". Este é o aperitivo.
Thom Yorke em Copenhaga
Ele também foi a Copenhaga, como membro da imprensa. Não declarou se foi de avião eléctrico.
quinta-feira, dezembro 17, 2009
Céu Branco
Os Vampire Weekend têm um novo tema no seu MySpace chama-se "White Sky". Ao vivo soa assim, na versão "desligado" e #ligado#.
"White Sky" (unplugged)
"White Sky" (plugged)
"White Sky" (unplugged)
"White Sky" (plugged)
Natal Com Rapariga Optimista Perdida
Eu gosto do espírito de Natal. Gosto quando as pessoas dão sem esperarem nada em troca (pois!). É verdade, os New Young Pony Club estão a dar um tema do seu segundo disco, baptizado "Optimist", que é o primeiro na editora formada pela banda, sem esperarem nada em troca (pois!). Para o obterem, basta navegarem até ao seu site principal e agarrarem "Lost Girl" ou, se não quiserem caminhar, irem aqui. O vídeo deste tema, que abre as portas para o novo lançamento, tem um vídeo que podem ver já a seguir.
New Young Pony Club - "Lost A Girl"
New Young Pony Club - "Lost A Girl"
quarta-feira, dezembro 16, 2009
Cuidado com o Mel
Thomas WP, Dede WP e Darren Bancroft, que dão pelo nome de We Have Band, vão ter o seu disco de estreia em 2010. Até agora a sua vida tem sido feita de singles, misturas e de uma participação, com "Time After Time", na compilação nº 7 da esitora francesa Kitsuné, apesar deles serem britânicos. Depois do vídeo para o desinteressante "We Came Out", há agora imagens para acompanharem o bem mais cativante "Honeytrap", tema que podem descarregar gratuitamente do MySpace do trio.
We Have Band - "Honey Trap"
We Have Band - "Honey Trap"
terça-feira, dezembro 15, 2009
Music Alliance Pact: Dezembro de 2009
O David Santos, mais conhecido por Noiserv, é mais um dos jovens músicos na área do pop-rock que nós, portugueses, não merecemos mas que merece estar na Music Alliance Pact e ser divulgado nos 34 países, de todos os continentes, que participam nesta aliança. Ele tem demasiado talento para um país que dá mais horas de "airplay" a um qualquer alternativo de Liverpool ou Manchester ou Brooklyn, porque toda a imprensa internacional fala, do que aos seus próprios músicos. Noiserv e tantos projectos de muito talento que por ai andam precisam de ter atenção para além dos programas dedicados à música portuguesa, como é, por exemplo, esse grande farol que é o "Portugália". Não podemos continuar a apostar apenas nas pessoas que são o hype do momento e tomam copos com os fazedores de opinião ou que têm financiamento próprio para embarcar em campanhas de promoção dos seus trabalhos. A maior homenagem que podemos fazer a nós próprios é passarmos a palavra do que por cá se faz mas sem esquecer o critério e a qualidade, o que, infelizmente, nem sempre acontece.
Fiquem com os Noiserv e com as sugestões dos 33 outros blogs que participam no MAP.
ARGENTINA: Zonaindie
Coiffeur - Humedad
Coiffeur is not the name of a band, but the alias of a young folk singer and songwriter from Morón, a city in the greater Buenos Aires area). Humedad is one of the finest songs from his third album, El Tonel De Las Danaides, which was released this year by Estamos Felices (Argentina's coolest independent label, you should check them out).
AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?
Toecutter - Best Party Ever (Jordan Lightyear & Jimmy2sox remix)
Best Party Ever pretty much sums up Toecutter, a man called David Harris from Milano, New South Wales who creates dancefloor-friendly progressive house music. Apparently, Toecutter has been sitting on this song since 1984 when he recorded the hook onto a cassette and then spent 25 years deliberating on its merits.
CANADA: I(Heart)Music
The Property Line - The Start
The Property Line have only been around a few months but they've been building quite a local following with their brand of psychedelia-tinged country-rock. Their EP (which is available for free download on their site) is pretty strong, and nowhere is it stronger than on The Start, in which the band infuses a little Sufjan into their sound, with absolutely stunning results.
CHILE: Super 45
Gen - ¿Qué Le Pasó A Mi Rap
Es is the latest album by Gen (Freddy Olguin). Putting together amazing beats, social critique rhymes and sounds from another dimension, the Chilean rapper has taken the experience of listening to hip hop to a whole new level. An army of producers has helped him develop a very distinctive personality for his record, which can be compared to the sound of Flying Lotus, Subtle or even The RZA, with the result something nothing short of future-like music. It's refreshing, experimental and highly exciting.
CHINA: Wooozy
Today - Before Ending
Before Ending is taken from Today's debut album which was released last year. They are searching for hope and happiness by watching everyone's love life as a third person. You won't feel lonely after listening to their songs. The band's new album, Live The Life, will be out soon.
COLOMBIA: Colombia Urbana
Miss Muffin - Bways 'n' Gyals
What happens if you put together Juan Valdez and Bob Marley? Well, the answer to this experiment can be given by Isabella Escobar aka Miss Muffin, the known name for this promising talent of Colombian reggae. Originating from Antioquia, with Caribbean blood, Miss Muffin has released Hear This, an album that explores in a curious manner the various possibilities of reggae.
DENMARK: All Scandinavian
Eumig & Chinon - This Fang
The last Danish track of 2009 is also a MAP exclusive. Eumig & Chinon aka Christian Kastbjerg has kindly provided this kickass piece of funky housetronica titled This Fang, which will be on his debut EP coming out sometime next year. You've got to groove.
ENGLAND: The Daily Growl
Banjo Or Freakout - Upside Down
I'm bending the rules a little this month because Alessio Natalizia, who trades under the name Banjo Or Freakout, is Italian - but he's based in London so we can claim him as our own. Just as well because his awesome soundtracks, all wrapped up in a dreamy melodious electronic haze, are worth breaking down national boundaries for.
ESTONIA: Popop
Malcolm Lincoln - Me Iz Loaded With Zoul
Malcolm Lincoln has been active only for about a month so there's not much of a biography yet. The band is the brainchild of Robin Juhkental, who is joined by Madis Kubu aka Fretless Rämbu for live shows. Five more songs are downloadable here.
FINLAND: Glue
Rex Willer - My Girl
Rex Willer is a five-piece indie band who recorded the excellent Inner Moray Scenes EP at their home studio earlier this year. Influenced by My Morning Jacket, Steely Dan and Death Cab For Cutie, they are driven by groovy bass lines and old-school keyboard sounds, without forgetting good guitar licks. Let yourself be caught by the irresistible melody of My Girl while Rex Willer finishes some new material due out early next year.
FRANCE: ZikNation
Michael Wookey - Songs About Snow
At the age of 15, Michael Wookey was given a portable pump organ which belonged to his grandfather, who was an organist during World War II. This instrument inspired Michael to write some songs and start collecting obscure instruments. Now 26, he has released three albums and by using a portable studio, he has recorded in various sheds, basements and meat lockers. He now lives in the red light district of Paris. The French describe his music as folk baroque.
GERMANY: Blogpartei
Dobré - The Melody Is A Stranger
Sometimes you realise within minutes what creative potential a musician has, and Dobré comes into that category. Usually found playing eclectic indie-folk with his mates Sepp Kennedy, he just released a 'best of' solo record called Tools 'n' Toys which you can download here. The Melody Is A Stranger is a downtempo piece of indie which strongly reminds me of early Peter Gabriel.
GREECE: Mouxlaloulouda
2-L8 - Excuse Me, But I Just Have To Explode (Part II)
2-L8's second release - He & She, Angry Enough To Keep Loving In The Dark Ages (download it for free here) - is a masterpiece of avant-garde music that truly haunts the mind. It's a passionate experience, leading the listener into excruciating catharsis - you look into the eyes of two lovers and see nothing but painful regret. It's exhilarating and rare to hear such florid arrangements based on sharp stringed instruments and theremin, trembling, frantically passionate vocals, desperate and bleak lyrics coupled with a sense of hope and all of them laced with uncompromising experimentation, true emotional resonance and weight. A total seductive triumph.
ICELAND: I Love Icelandic Music
Morðingjarnir - Manvisa
Punk-rock trio Morðingjarnir ("The Murderers") play fast and sharp three-to-four chord songs, often with some dark humour. Atli, Haukur and Helgi are influenced by Dead Kennedys and local punk heroes Fræbbblarnir. Manvisa is a song featured on their third album, Flóttinn Mikli, with guest vocals from Kata of the band Mammút.
INDIA: Indiecision
The Mavyns - Greener Than The Sea
The Mavyns (pronounced "May-wins") are a rock act from Mumbai. Their music is a particularly refreshing take on the new British post-punk revival. Powered by piano-driven melodies and a charming disposition, the recently-formed quartet already look set for greater things. Greener Than The Sea makes no bones about its Beatles affectations culminating in a dizzying guitar romp. This live recording from an excellent recent set in the city is a definite sign of a career path that looks to be going only one way - up!
INDONESIA: Deathrockstar
Tika & The Dissidents - Waltz Muram
Known as the diva from the indie scene in Indonesia, Tika has a beautiful voice and smart lyrics with influences ranging from swing and lounge music mashed with eclectic orchestration. I chose her and her band this month because I also want to promote Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of the country.
IRELAND: Nialler9
O Emperor - Po
After an impressive appearance on Irish TV and some blog love from The Torture Garden, Cork band O Emperor are definitely on the 'ones to watch' list. Especially, though, after repeated plays of their debut single, Po, an unassuming number that reveals itself on multiple listens thanks to its snaking ephemeral guitar lick and a vocal that lodges in your brain for 24 hours at a time.
ITALY: Polaroid
The Calorifer Is Very Hot! - Evolution On Stand-By
Italy is well known for its Prime Minister's various conflicts of interest. For this month's MAP I decided to act in a diplomatic way and promote a band and record that I helped to release. I could tell you that I believe these guys play some of the best indie-pop in this country. I could tell you that their lo-fi punk attitude to songwriting deserves worldwide attention. I could beg you to go to see them live and promise that you will have fun. But these would be all lies. They're here just because I put my money in their new album - buy it!
JAPAN: JPOP Lover
Sonic Attack Blaster - 20000Volt
Sonic Attack Blaster, an alternative band from Tokyo's underground scene, call their music 'samurai rock'. Their songs actually have Japanese retro melody lines that give them an early-90s feel. Interesting and really rather weird. Their new album will be released in January.
MEXICO: Red Bull PanameriKa
Rana Santacruz - Cajita De Barro
Rana Santacruz's richness lies deep in Mexican soil: a buried treasure of plundered Celtic tunes, ranchera-song lamentations and magical-realistic folktales that could have been part of a lost chapter from a rural cuento written by Juan Rulfo. Chicavasco is his debut album - a delicate collection of bohemian vignettes permeated by a true sensorial feel of rain, leather and mezcal. Watch him come up the hills and down the slopes as he slowly claims his place among one of our favourite singer-songwriters.
NETHERLANDS: Amsterdam Event Guide
The Very Sexuals - Bowie Eyes
Hallo from Holland! This is our first submission and we're happy to introduce The Very Sexuals. Starting out as a project between three or four other bands, this act have come together to produce an impressive, emotive and totally free album which has left listeners in dreamy shoegaze heaven since its release earlier this year. Be sure to download Bowie Eyes and look out for album number two in 2010.
NEW ZEALAND: Counting The Beat
Signer - +Kicks And Kicks
Bevan Smith is the musician who records as Signer. Smith started out as an indie-guitar fan but gave that up for psychedelic electronica and synths. His latest album, Next We Bring You The Fire, has a more ambient sound than earlier records, toning down some of the more leftfield noise elements. +Kicks And Kicks isn't that typical of the album - it's poppier and more rhythmic - but gives a good introduction to Signer's ability to create music which is accessible but slightly unsettling.
NORWAY: Eardrums
Moddi - A Sense Of Grey
Moddi is a unique artist from the northern parts of Norway who will release his debut album Floriography on February 8. His music is poetic and dreamy, but at the same time there is a roughness in his sound. I often think of the rugged northern nature when I listen to his music, which is full of beauty but also darkness and sudden changes.
PERU: SoTB
El Hombre Misterioso - 80 Veces 80
The four members of El Hombre Misterioso are so versatile they would sound completely different if separated. They are always willing to experiment with rock and their second album, Inside The Corporation, narrates national historical stories. 80 Veces 80 remembers the worst days of Peruvian history, when the 1980s crisis was worsened by car bombs in a civil war that nearly destroyed the country.
PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?
Noiserv - Melody Pops
Noiserv is one-man band David Santos, a very talented multi-instrumentalist from Lisbon. His self-released 2008 debut LP, One Hundred Miles From Thoughtlessness, was highly acclaimed by the mainstream Portuguese press. In May, Noiserv released a single through the Scottish label Autumn Ferment Records.
ROMANIA: Babylon Noise
Byron - King Of Clowns
Releasing their third album this year (A Kind Of Alchemy), alternative rock act Byron has already developed a unique sound, an alchemy of Jeff Buckley's lyricism and Porcupine Tree's neo-prog escapism. Dan's voice goes from soft and warm to almost tormented, all the way spiced with wild-on-the-verge-of-insanity harmonies. The keyboard work shines with brilliant prog-inspired interventions, the guitar-playing is rock-solid (pun intended) and the use of flute on several tracks also works miracles, bringing a certain distinctness to the whole. Did I say Jethro Tull? Well, you get the picture.
SCOTLAND: The Pop Cop
The Kays Lavelle - Aftermath
If any film directors are reading, do yourself a favour and download this song. With its eerily mesmeric piano refrain and increasingly intense, impassioned vocals, Aftermath is just begging to be played during an emotionally-wrought scene or at the end of the movie as the credits run. A studio version of Aftermath featuring the full band will appear on The Kays Lavelle's debut album due out early next year.
SINGAPORE: I'm Waking Up To...
For This Cycle - For What It's Worth
Sixteen-year-old Weiwen Seah has a lot to be proud of. Performing under the persona For This Cycle, he has released a five-track EP this year and is currently recording his full-length album due next year. Weiwen brings a welcome breath of pop goodness in a music scene better known for its underground subculture with shades of Jason Mraz and Dashboard Confessional. In fact, it's easy to forget that someone so young sings with as much conviction on this month's selection, For What It's Worth.
SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!
Van Coke Kartel - Voor Ons Stof Word
Van Coke Kartel is an Afrikaans rock band. Francois Van Coke and Wynand Myburgh were previously in Fokofpolisiekar, who revolutionised Afrikaans rock music by challenging and shifting rigid mindsets. Van Coke Kartel proceeded to explode onto the SA music scene with sold-out shows and rave reviews. The group has been busy working on their new album, Skop, Skiet En Donner, which will be out in early 2010. Look out for it, it's sure to blow your mind.
SOUTH KOREA: Indieful ROK
Oh My Melodies - I Like It All
Oh My Melodies is the US-based solo project of Jiyoung Lee, vocalist of I Love JH. She now offers home-recorded electronic pop with sweet lyrics on the recently released EP So Lazy, which can be downloaded here. I Like It All is a catchy tune with a bit of synth that makes doing the chores seem like the most delightful task.
SWEDEN: Swedesplease
Symfoniorkestern - Tänd Eld På Dig Själv (För Det Du Tror På)
Wow, it was a no-brainer this month. Symfoniorkestern are a uniquely Swedish group. They are like an indie-rock band but with a grab-bag of unusual orchestration, lyrics in Swedish and lovely harmonies. The new EP, Tänd Eld På Dig Själv (För Det Du Tror På), is available here for free in its awesome, spellbinding entirety. The band spent a year and a half recording it - I only wish I could somehow give this review the same amount of care.
UNITED STATES: I Guess I'm Floating
Chll Pll - Dick Moves
Sacramento, CA's Zach Hill has a new project, Chll Pll - a slice of the rather raucous, noisy, blunt force corner of the electro-pop world. Dick Moves is from the upcoming debut Aggressively Humble, out now on Porter Records.
VENEZUELA: Barquisimento
Fordelucs - No Queda Mas
Alternative rock band Fordelucs have been winning over fans and critics alike and building up a name for themselves in Venezuela's music scene. Now the boys are about to start a tour that will take them beyond the borders of their country. No Queda Mas is taken from their first release, Mundo.
Para descarregar as 33 canções em apenas um ficheiro, carregue aqui
Noiserv é um exemplo de um projecto que foi aclamado pela crítica, que tem passado por algumas rádios mas que, infelizmente, como deveria ser, não mantem um lugar cativo nas playlists.
Fiquem com os Noiserv e com as sugestões dos 33 outros blogs que participam no MAP.
ARGENTINA: Zonaindie
Coiffeur - Humedad
Coiffeur is not the name of a band, but the alias of a young folk singer and songwriter from Morón, a city in the greater Buenos Aires area). Humedad is one of the finest songs from his third album, El Tonel De Las Danaides, which was released this year by Estamos Felices (Argentina's coolest independent label, you should check them out).
AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?
Toecutter - Best Party Ever (Jordan Lightyear & Jimmy2sox remix)
Best Party Ever pretty much sums up Toecutter, a man called David Harris from Milano, New South Wales who creates dancefloor-friendly progressive house music. Apparently, Toecutter has been sitting on this song since 1984 when he recorded the hook onto a cassette and then spent 25 years deliberating on its merits.
CANADA: I(Heart)Music
The Property Line - The Start
The Property Line have only been around a few months but they've been building quite a local following with their brand of psychedelia-tinged country-rock. Their EP (which is available for free download on their site) is pretty strong, and nowhere is it stronger than on The Start, in which the band infuses a little Sufjan into their sound, with absolutely stunning results.
CHILE: Super 45
Gen - ¿Qué Le Pasó A Mi Rap
Es is the latest album by Gen (Freddy Olguin). Putting together amazing beats, social critique rhymes and sounds from another dimension, the Chilean rapper has taken the experience of listening to hip hop to a whole new level. An army of producers has helped him develop a very distinctive personality for his record, which can be compared to the sound of Flying Lotus, Subtle or even The RZA, with the result something nothing short of future-like music. It's refreshing, experimental and highly exciting.
CHINA: Wooozy
Today - Before Ending
Before Ending is taken from Today's debut album which was released last year. They are searching for hope and happiness by watching everyone's love life as a third person. You won't feel lonely after listening to their songs. The band's new album, Live The Life, will be out soon.
COLOMBIA: Colombia Urbana
Miss Muffin - Bways 'n' Gyals
What happens if you put together Juan Valdez and Bob Marley? Well, the answer to this experiment can be given by Isabella Escobar aka Miss Muffin, the known name for this promising talent of Colombian reggae. Originating from Antioquia, with Caribbean blood, Miss Muffin has released Hear This, an album that explores in a curious manner the various possibilities of reggae.
DENMARK: All Scandinavian
Eumig & Chinon - This Fang
The last Danish track of 2009 is also a MAP exclusive. Eumig & Chinon aka Christian Kastbjerg has kindly provided this kickass piece of funky housetronica titled This Fang, which will be on his debut EP coming out sometime next year. You've got to groove.
ENGLAND: The Daily Growl
Banjo Or Freakout - Upside Down
I'm bending the rules a little this month because Alessio Natalizia, who trades under the name Banjo Or Freakout, is Italian - but he's based in London so we can claim him as our own. Just as well because his awesome soundtracks, all wrapped up in a dreamy melodious electronic haze, are worth breaking down national boundaries for.
ESTONIA: Popop
Malcolm Lincoln - Me Iz Loaded With Zoul
Malcolm Lincoln has been active only for about a month so there's not much of a biography yet. The band is the brainchild of Robin Juhkental, who is joined by Madis Kubu aka Fretless Rämbu for live shows. Five more songs are downloadable here.
FINLAND: Glue
Rex Willer - My Girl
Rex Willer is a five-piece indie band who recorded the excellent Inner Moray Scenes EP at their home studio earlier this year. Influenced by My Morning Jacket, Steely Dan and Death Cab For Cutie, they are driven by groovy bass lines and old-school keyboard sounds, without forgetting good guitar licks. Let yourself be caught by the irresistible melody of My Girl while Rex Willer finishes some new material due out early next year.
FRANCE: ZikNation
Michael Wookey - Songs About Snow
At the age of 15, Michael Wookey was given a portable pump organ which belonged to his grandfather, who was an organist during World War II. This instrument inspired Michael to write some songs and start collecting obscure instruments. Now 26, he has released three albums and by using a portable studio, he has recorded in various sheds, basements and meat lockers. He now lives in the red light district of Paris. The French describe his music as folk baroque.
GERMANY: Blogpartei
Dobré - The Melody Is A Stranger
Sometimes you realise within minutes what creative potential a musician has, and Dobré comes into that category. Usually found playing eclectic indie-folk with his mates Sepp Kennedy, he just released a 'best of' solo record called Tools 'n' Toys which you can download here. The Melody Is A Stranger is a downtempo piece of indie which strongly reminds me of early Peter Gabriel.
GREECE: Mouxlaloulouda
2-L8 - Excuse Me, But I Just Have To Explode (Part II)
2-L8's second release - He & She, Angry Enough To Keep Loving In The Dark Ages (download it for free here) - is a masterpiece of avant-garde music that truly haunts the mind. It's a passionate experience, leading the listener into excruciating catharsis - you look into the eyes of two lovers and see nothing but painful regret. It's exhilarating and rare to hear such florid arrangements based on sharp stringed instruments and theremin, trembling, frantically passionate vocals, desperate and bleak lyrics coupled with a sense of hope and all of them laced with uncompromising experimentation, true emotional resonance and weight. A total seductive triumph.
ICELAND: I Love Icelandic Music
Morðingjarnir - Manvisa
Punk-rock trio Morðingjarnir ("The Murderers") play fast and sharp three-to-four chord songs, often with some dark humour. Atli, Haukur and Helgi are influenced by Dead Kennedys and local punk heroes Fræbbblarnir. Manvisa is a song featured on their third album, Flóttinn Mikli, with guest vocals from Kata of the band Mammút.
INDIA: Indiecision
The Mavyns - Greener Than The Sea
The Mavyns (pronounced "May-wins") are a rock act from Mumbai. Their music is a particularly refreshing take on the new British post-punk revival. Powered by piano-driven melodies and a charming disposition, the recently-formed quartet already look set for greater things. Greener Than The Sea makes no bones about its Beatles affectations culminating in a dizzying guitar romp. This live recording from an excellent recent set in the city is a definite sign of a career path that looks to be going only one way - up!
INDONESIA: Deathrockstar
Tika & The Dissidents - Waltz Muram
Known as the diva from the indie scene in Indonesia, Tika has a beautiful voice and smart lyrics with influences ranging from swing and lounge music mashed with eclectic orchestration. I chose her and her band this month because I also want to promote Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of the country.
IRELAND: Nialler9
O Emperor - Po
After an impressive appearance on Irish TV and some blog love from The Torture Garden, Cork band O Emperor are definitely on the 'ones to watch' list. Especially, though, after repeated plays of their debut single, Po, an unassuming number that reveals itself on multiple listens thanks to its snaking ephemeral guitar lick and a vocal that lodges in your brain for 24 hours at a time.
ITALY: Polaroid
The Calorifer Is Very Hot! - Evolution On Stand-By
Italy is well known for its Prime Minister's various conflicts of interest. For this month's MAP I decided to act in a diplomatic way and promote a band and record that I helped to release. I could tell you that I believe these guys play some of the best indie-pop in this country. I could tell you that their lo-fi punk attitude to songwriting deserves worldwide attention. I could beg you to go to see them live and promise that you will have fun. But these would be all lies. They're here just because I put my money in their new album - buy it!
JAPAN: JPOP Lover
Sonic Attack Blaster - 20000Volt
Sonic Attack Blaster, an alternative band from Tokyo's underground scene, call their music 'samurai rock'. Their songs actually have Japanese retro melody lines that give them an early-90s feel. Interesting and really rather weird. Their new album will be released in January.
MEXICO: Red Bull PanameriKa
Rana Santacruz - Cajita De Barro
Rana Santacruz's richness lies deep in Mexican soil: a buried treasure of plundered Celtic tunes, ranchera-song lamentations and magical-realistic folktales that could have been part of a lost chapter from a rural cuento written by Juan Rulfo. Chicavasco is his debut album - a delicate collection of bohemian vignettes permeated by a true sensorial feel of rain, leather and mezcal. Watch him come up the hills and down the slopes as he slowly claims his place among one of our favourite singer-songwriters.
NETHERLANDS: Amsterdam Event Guide
The Very Sexuals - Bowie Eyes
Hallo from Holland! This is our first submission and we're happy to introduce The Very Sexuals. Starting out as a project between three or four other bands, this act have come together to produce an impressive, emotive and totally free album which has left listeners in dreamy shoegaze heaven since its release earlier this year. Be sure to download Bowie Eyes and look out for album number two in 2010.
NEW ZEALAND: Counting The Beat
Signer - +Kicks And Kicks
Bevan Smith is the musician who records as Signer. Smith started out as an indie-guitar fan but gave that up for psychedelic electronica and synths. His latest album, Next We Bring You The Fire, has a more ambient sound than earlier records, toning down some of the more leftfield noise elements. +Kicks And Kicks isn't that typical of the album - it's poppier and more rhythmic - but gives a good introduction to Signer's ability to create music which is accessible but slightly unsettling.
NORWAY: Eardrums
Moddi - A Sense Of Grey
Moddi is a unique artist from the northern parts of Norway who will release his debut album Floriography on February 8. His music is poetic and dreamy, but at the same time there is a roughness in his sound. I often think of the rugged northern nature when I listen to his music, which is full of beauty but also darkness and sudden changes.
PERU: SoTB
El Hombre Misterioso - 80 Veces 80
The four members of El Hombre Misterioso are so versatile they would sound completely different if separated. They are always willing to experiment with rock and their second album, Inside The Corporation, narrates national historical stories. 80 Veces 80 remembers the worst days of Peruvian history, when the 1980s crisis was worsened by car bombs in a civil war that nearly destroyed the country.
PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?
Noiserv - Melody Pops
Noiserv is one-man band David Santos, a very talented multi-instrumentalist from Lisbon. His self-released 2008 debut LP, One Hundred Miles From Thoughtlessness, was highly acclaimed by the mainstream Portuguese press. In May, Noiserv released a single through the Scottish label Autumn Ferment Records.
ROMANIA: Babylon Noise
Byron - King Of Clowns
Releasing their third album this year (A Kind Of Alchemy), alternative rock act Byron has already developed a unique sound, an alchemy of Jeff Buckley's lyricism and Porcupine Tree's neo-prog escapism. Dan's voice goes from soft and warm to almost tormented, all the way spiced with wild-on-the-verge-of-insanity harmonies. The keyboard work shines with brilliant prog-inspired interventions, the guitar-playing is rock-solid (pun intended) and the use of flute on several tracks also works miracles, bringing a certain distinctness to the whole. Did I say Jethro Tull? Well, you get the picture.
SCOTLAND: The Pop Cop
The Kays Lavelle - Aftermath
If any film directors are reading, do yourself a favour and download this song. With its eerily mesmeric piano refrain and increasingly intense, impassioned vocals, Aftermath is just begging to be played during an emotionally-wrought scene or at the end of the movie as the credits run. A studio version of Aftermath featuring the full band will appear on The Kays Lavelle's debut album due out early next year.
SINGAPORE: I'm Waking Up To...
For This Cycle - For What It's Worth
Sixteen-year-old Weiwen Seah has a lot to be proud of. Performing under the persona For This Cycle, he has released a five-track EP this year and is currently recording his full-length album due next year. Weiwen brings a welcome breath of pop goodness in a music scene better known for its underground subculture with shades of Jason Mraz and Dashboard Confessional. In fact, it's easy to forget that someone so young sings with as much conviction on this month's selection, For What It's Worth.
SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!
Van Coke Kartel - Voor Ons Stof Word
Van Coke Kartel is an Afrikaans rock band. Francois Van Coke and Wynand Myburgh were previously in Fokofpolisiekar, who revolutionised Afrikaans rock music by challenging and shifting rigid mindsets. Van Coke Kartel proceeded to explode onto the SA music scene with sold-out shows and rave reviews. The group has been busy working on their new album, Skop, Skiet En Donner, which will be out in early 2010. Look out for it, it's sure to blow your mind.
SOUTH KOREA: Indieful ROK
Oh My Melodies - I Like It All
Oh My Melodies is the US-based solo project of Jiyoung Lee, vocalist of I Love JH. She now offers home-recorded electronic pop with sweet lyrics on the recently released EP So Lazy, which can be downloaded here. I Like It All is a catchy tune with a bit of synth that makes doing the chores seem like the most delightful task.
SWEDEN: Swedesplease
Symfoniorkestern - Tänd Eld På Dig Själv (För Det Du Tror På)
Wow, it was a no-brainer this month. Symfoniorkestern are a uniquely Swedish group. They are like an indie-rock band but with a grab-bag of unusual orchestration, lyrics in Swedish and lovely harmonies. The new EP, Tänd Eld På Dig Själv (För Det Du Tror På), is available here for free in its awesome, spellbinding entirety. The band spent a year and a half recording it - I only wish I could somehow give this review the same amount of care.
UNITED STATES: I Guess I'm Floating
Chll Pll - Dick Moves
Sacramento, CA's Zach Hill has a new project, Chll Pll - a slice of the rather raucous, noisy, blunt force corner of the electro-pop world. Dick Moves is from the upcoming debut Aggressively Humble, out now on Porter Records.
VENEZUELA: Barquisimento
Fordelucs - No Queda Mas
Alternative rock band Fordelucs have been winning over fans and critics alike and building up a name for themselves in Venezuela's music scene. Now the boys are about to start a tour that will take them beyond the borders of their country. No Queda Mas is taken from their first release, Mundo.
Para descarregar as 33 canções em apenas um ficheiro, carregue aqui
segunda-feira, dezembro 14, 2009
Weird Stones
Em termos de visual, penso que os californianos We Are The World, conseguem chegar muito perto à estranheza dos distantes Fields of the Nephilim. A música que os primeiros e os segundos criam/criavam não se toca em parte alguma, no entanto. Este é o vídeo para o single, "Clay Stones", que sairá em Janeiro acompanhado de diversas misturas (Planning To Rock, Drums of Death, Turbotito, eVan Rivers & The Subliminal Kid (Fever Ray)).
Trilogia de Dois
Os suecos Fredrik, que têm como núcleo da banda Fredrik e Lindefelt, que passaram por aqui há um ano, têm um novo vídeo para o single de apresentação "Vinterbarn" ("Crianças do Inverno"), do segundo disco "Trilogi", que será lançado em Janeiro e que é uma compilação de três EPs: "Holm", "Ava" e "Ner".
Fredrik - "Vinterbarn"
Fredrik - "Vinterbarn"
sexta-feira, dezembro 11, 2009
Brand New Chip
Pois, eu sei que muitos de vocês gostam destes rapazes que têm um periquito a cantar. PAra vocês, aqui vai um favorzinho. Vá, saltem lá. Ai está, o NOVO ( ou "brand new no seu timing", falando como um verdadeiro intelectual português) vídeo dos Hot Chip.
Hot Chip - "One Life Stand"
Hot Chip - "One Life Stand"
Reprodução Canadiana Sagrada
De uns quartetos mais excitantes da pop-elcetrónica-experimental da actualidade, há um novo vídeo para o seu tema "Royal Gregory" lembrando o s melhores dias dos jogos num ZX-Spectrum. Senhores e Senhoras, Meninos e Meninas, de Toronto, Canadá, os Holy Fuck.
Holy Fuck - "Royal Gregory"
Holy Fuck - "Royal Gregory"
quinta-feira, dezembro 10, 2009
Novamente Juntos (para um vídeo)
O duo Glen Hansard e Marketa Irglova, mais conhecido por Swell Season, que ganharam um Oscar na categoria de Best Origianl Song com a canção "Falling Slowly", têm um novo vídeo para um tema, "Low Rising", do seu último disco, "Strictly Joy".
Portishead Associa-se Hoje à Amnesty International
Geoff Barrow enviou os BEAK>, o seu outro projecto musical, de férias de Natal e voltou aos Portishead para dar à luz "Chase The Tear", um tema oferecido pela banda à Amnesty International hoje que é Dia dos Direitos Humanos. As vendas do tema serão a favor desta organização e podem obtê-lo aqui.
quarta-feira, dezembro 09, 2009
Novo Puritanismo
Os These New Puritans têm um disco novo no forno, "Hidden", que sairá a 10 de Janeiro. "We Want War" é o single de apresentação.
O vídeo foi realizado por Daniel Askill.
O vídeo foi realizado por Daniel Askill.
Submarines Voltam a Emergir
Os Submarines regressam com mais um vídeo mas ainda de um tema de "Honeysuckle Weeks". Parece que o que levou a produzirem um vídeo para este tema, "Submarine Symphonika", foi a integração de um sedgmento do mesmo num anúncio norte-americano ao IPhone.
Podem ler o que escrevi por aqui sobre eles há mais de um ano.
sexta-feira, dezembro 04, 2009
Coração com Música
O Super Rock em Stock (sei que é outro nome) é uma dádiva a Lisboa por não ir pelo caminho fácil. Além da dificuldade óbvia de um festival com estas características, é preciso coragem para apostar em bandas/nomes, como os Voxtrot, os Piano Magic ou os Wild Beasts, que muito poucas pessoas ouviram falar em Portugal e que passam quase exclusivamente na Radar e, aqui e ali, em programas de autor da Antena3.
Destaques também obrigatórios para os espectáculos de Patrick Watson, Ebony Bones, e Little Joy (levem discos dos Strokes para o Fabrizio autografar ;-).
Este é um grande fim-de-semana para aqueles que lhes apetece algo diferente mas sem açucar. Se não gostarem, vão até ao Cascais Jazz, vão ouvir o Carlos do Carmo a cantar as canções de Ary, ou partam para longe, muito longe.
Wild Beasts
Ebony Bones
Voxtrot
Little Joy
Destaques também obrigatórios para os espectáculos de Patrick Watson, Ebony Bones, e Little Joy (levem discos dos Strokes para o Fabrizio autografar ;-).
Este é um grande fim-de-semana para aqueles que lhes apetece algo diferente mas sem açucar. Se não gostarem, vão até ao Cascais Jazz, vão ouvir o Carlos do Carmo a cantar as canções de Ary, ou partam para longe, muito longe.
Wild Beasts
Ebony Bones
Voxtrot
Little Joy
quinta-feira, dezembro 03, 2009
Queijo Bad
Os norte-americanos The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt decidiram, na sua passagem por terras nórdicas, que deveriam melhorar a qualidade do queijo de determinadas paragens. Para tal, cantaram "The Way You Make Me Feel" para algumas ovelhas. Diz-se que estas ovelhas passaram a produzir um leite tão bom para queijo que é "bad".
Depois Veio A Zebra E Comeu-o
Os Zebra & Snake são dois finlandeses, Matti(baixo e caixa de ritmos) e Tapio (voz e sintetizadores) e o seu som é um macarrão de tudo do melhor e pior que foi deixado pelos anos 80. Tantos podem ouvir no seu som um pouco de Prince como de Baltimora, apenas depende do segundo em que está o tema. Não esperem muito. Não esperem nada. Ouçam ou dancem.
Zebra & Snake - "The Colours"
Zebra & Snake - "The Colours"
quarta-feira, dezembro 02, 2009
Os Efterklang Quando Tocarão em Portugal?
Será que os Efterklang têm que ser capa da Rolling Stone, nos EUA, para chegarem aos jornais e às rádios portuguesas? Efterklang passaram por aqui. (Perdoem-me as rádios universitárias e outras que já os passam mas que não chegam aos meus ouvidos.)
Ursinho do Céu
A propósito do novo disco dos Bear in Heaven, "Beast Rest Forth Mouth", fica aqui o impressionante vídeo de "Shinning and Free", tema incluido no primeiro disco (do qual podem fazer o download de "Bag of Gags", a partir do site da editora da banda), "Red Bloom of the Boom", em que vemos Jon Philpot, o mentor da banda, como protagonista. O vídeo seguinte é do tema "For Beauty", do mesmo disco. Ambos os brilhantes vídeos foram realizados por David Merten. Do novo disco não há, infelizmente, nenhum vídeo, por isso ouça-se um tema, "Lovesick Teenagers".
Bear In Heaven - "Shinning and Free"
Bear In Heaven - "For Beauty"
Bear in Heaven - "Lovesick Teenagers"
Bear In Heaven - "Shinning and Free"
Bear In Heaven - "For Beauty"
Bear in Heaven - "Lovesick Teenagers"
Tudo o Meu Amor
O tema já tem quatro anos mas só agora é que os Valley Lodge devem ter juntado dinheiro para um vídeo de "All Of My Loving". Um mega tema para uma mega rádio.
Subscrever:
Mensagens (Atom)