Video Kid

At this point in time, you've been living under a rock if you've never heard of Flight of the Conchords. Less famous, however, is the other work of FotC's Bret McKenzie as Video Kid (and a member of The Black Seeds, but that's a different story). Even though I feel a comparison of Video Kid to FotC is technically impossible, I feel it is a good place to start. It would be misleading to assume that the music is of a similar style simply because Bret is involved in creating music for both. Video Kid's music is more electronic, with strong reggae and funk influences and just a tad of hip-hop. At the same time, it is a mellow, indie sound. And the ultimate deciding factor- unlike FotC, it is not folk and comedy oriented. At the very least, Video Kid showcases Bret McKenzie's talent and versatility as a songwriter/musician. Hittin' up the V-section of my iTunes for the second time today, I give you DJz Girlfriend, Let Her Go, and CCTV.

Singles - The Vines

I know that you've all heard of them, I know you've all heard them, but I bet you've probably forgotten about them. With that in mind, I am taking this opportunity to focus some attention on this Australian garage rock group. My love for their music comes from my entirely biased affinity for 60's rock and 90's alternative music. But being a garage band, they give all their songs a sort of punk element, both in the attitude of the music and the length of the songs. If you're at all like me, these guys aren't necessarily your favorite band, but every time you hear them you end up bopping your head to the beat and singing along with the chorus. Ladies and gentlemen, Ride with me.

Human Television

Singles/ Fakers are good and fine (and easy to write) but I feel I need more at times. I am currently in the middle of a pop rock binge. So with this current genre obsession where better to look than Brooklyn, New York? The band's myspace labels the group as thrash, but you wont be confuzed after a second of listening, it must be purely ironic. The music is easy to listen to and chill to. The music slides by with an almost hypnotic, dreamy, surreal feeling. The vocals and instruments blend well to create a cohesive sound where no one voice is the star. A good example is the song In Front of the House from the 2006 release Look At Who You're Talking To. Also to check out from All Songs Written By: Human Television, I Forgot.

MYSPACE.COM/HUMANTELEVISIOn

Happy Listening

Singles - Eric Johnson

Well, I've come to give you Cliffs of Dover. Although many have heard it, the sheer brilliance of it all is enough to re-listen to it. Eric Johnson's most well known and masterful piece, Cliffs has a Jimi style thang going on. It starts with a strong solo following no specific time, but utilizing many advanced techniques such as hybrid picking and some really freakin fast fingers. It then settles into a shuffle beat for the music nerds among us who are interested and enters into motifs and individual melodies which are repeated or riffed on. And finally the outro is much like the intro, ad libbed with extreme awesomeness. Unfortunately, I don't have a really good recording to give you, but the cleanest that I have found a youtube guy who plays it all and plays it well. Check it out.

Singles - ELO

I bring you Electric Light Orchesta's "Fire On High". What can be said about this song. First the obvioust must be established, its opening is pretty fucking creepy. The opening of the sound has lyrics which sound like gibberish, but infact are backmasked. The process was first popularly used by The Beatles. It involves the reversal of lyrics. Backmasking is not to be confused with phonetic reversal (I.E. Stairway to Heaven SATAN SATAN SATAN bullshit). When played backwards, a voice distincly says, "The music is reversible but time is not. Turn back. Turn back. Turn back. Turn back." This could easily be seen as a joke played bue to accusations of the Satanic nature of "Eldorado" by fundamentist christians. A somewhat similar thing was done at the beginning of the track Still Life by Iron Maiden. Aside from having the disturbing opening it is a pretty cool song. so CHECK IT OUT

Fakers - The Shins

Quick post, this is for The Shins cover of Pink Floyd's Breathe. Breathe shares the opening track to the album Dark Side of the Moon with Speak To Me. It is a good laid back song, and I also recomend looking up the origional version of the song if you aren't already familiar with it from those late night watchings of the Wizard of Oz, which totally matches up with Dark Side of the Moon (if you're trashed...). BREATHE

And ill leave you with this glorious creation

Andy McKee

Many of you might know him from his videos on youtube, such as Drifting. He is truly an inspired composer and, although some may find his work repetitive, very talented. He is still in his twenties and he is a finger-style guitarist. He has four albums to his name and he plays guitar and harp guitar(seen in the picture). A great listen for background music or contemplation, McKee's work is cool and relaxing, but never boring. I cannot recommend his work too highly, especially his album with Don Ross, The Thing that Came from Somewhere. With cited influences from Maiden and Eric Johnson to Neil Young, this guy has been around. Although he started on the electric guitar, he's all acoustic now. And I think that we are all the better for it.

Fakers - Strange Days (Thievery Corporation Remix)

Rehab co-founder and ideas man The Roman and I have decided to introduce yet another new gimmick to our beloved blog. All "Fakers" posts will contain covers, remixes, mash-ups or songs that are in some other way NOT the original. To kick things off, I am bringing you Strange Days (Thievery Corporation Remix). For those of you who don't know, Thievery Corporation the group most famous for the song Lebanese Blonde whose music spans the genres of Electronic, Lounge, Dub, and Trip Hop. I myself almost posted about them, but decided against it in order to use them in this post, thus killing two birds with one stone thanks to their apparent penchant for remixing things. This version of the classic Doors hit features several not-so-classic characteristics for our listening pleasure: a fairly simple repeating back beat and a flood of electronic, psychedelic sounds. It also incorporates jazz elements by using wind instruments to provide both harmonies and melodies at different points in the song. I'll shut up before anyone who knows more about music than I do calls me an idiot. Take a listen; you won't be disappointed.

Singles - Tears in Heaven

Today is a day that shall live on in glory and triumph as the day the Rehab started offering some of our favorite singles (occasionally by more prominent artists than we've posted in the past). To kick off this new section, I am pleased to present you with another great song from Slowhand himself. Yes, I once again am writing about Eric Clapton- yet another display of my borderline-obsessive fandom. But this isn't any ordinary Clapton; what sets this song apart is the event that inspired it. Clapton wrote this shortly after and because of the death of his 4 year old son, Conor. After his son fell from the 53rd story of a New York condominium, Clapton became distraught and pained for months. However, he made it through that horrible time, and what's more, he did it sober. This awe-inspiring tale of dealing with this traumatic experience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit even if the gravest of times. This song along with Clapton's other most personal song "My Father's Eyes" has been retired as of 2004. Though he no longer feels the loss that inspired these masterpieces, they live on as tributes to an amazing musician and the people he lost. Here's Tears in Heaven.

The Gorillaz

The Gorillaz are the only band I know (real or fictional) who can release an entire album of remixes’ and B-sides, and have it be better then the majority of normal releases for your average band. Nowadays, the Gorillaz have pretty much fallen into the status of prolific. They have achieved great success commercially and artistically, all without losing they’re cred and unique style. As such, it shouldn't really surprise anyone that their latest release, D-Sides is a damn fine hunk of music. Honestly, I dont know how they do it. People hemmed and hawed about Demon Days, and I’ll admit, it wasn’t they’re finest work (though I still thought it was pretty good), but if anyone needed assurances that the Gorillaz still have it, D-Sides does it.

First off, there is not a shred of new music one here (technically). It’s all B-sides, re-imaginings and remixes of their music. That said, even the most avid Gorillaz listener will have something to listen to here, as most of the remixes are diverse, and add enough to the songs that they stand by themselves quite well (some of them only bare a passing resemblance to the original song, such as the Jamie T, Turns Into Monsters remix of Kids With Guns). The album’s opener is 68 State, a extremely chill, mostly instrumental ditty that really relaxes you, and sets the mood for the album. The next handful of songs are B-sides and other obscure songs (such as People, a highly enjoyable song that, after several listenings, revealed it’s self to be built of the basics from Oh Green World, from Demon Days), including Hong Kong, a song so amazing they actually put it on twice (it pops up again in the end, as a live version). Then a parade of re-mixes, most of them masterfully done. To be fair, some of these grated on me. The Quiet Village remix of Kids With Guns, a ten minute affair where they appear to break the song down into its prime components, then replace them with acoustic drumming, playing each piece one at a time, all with the suddenly creepy vocals of the song droning disturbingly on top of it. Maybe it’s just me, but that doesn't do it for me. The rest are pretty damn good though, especially the DARE Soulwax remix, and the El Manana Metronomy remix.

If you like the Gorillaz, you should pick up this album. If you like electronica you should pick up this album. If you like techno you should pick up this album. If you dont like the Gorillaz, you should pick up this album, cus it might make you like them. Basically, if you dont pick up this album, I will slap you.

RATATAT

The above picture is Mike Stroud and Evan Mast. They are Ratatat. Really there's not to much more to them. Two scruffy, bearded, New York musicians doing what they do. Oh, and it's fucking mind blowing. There is no drums. There is no bass. Their drummer is a machine. There is just two guitarists and a synthesizer. Imagine, if you will, Bach's approach to electronica, and you begin to understand Ratatat. They are completely acoustic. A few songs have a few seconds of dialog in front of them, but really, no words. Their music starts with Mike Straud's guitar work, which is mesmerizing. The man has the ability to weave a melody that seems simple, but hooks into your soul and makes it sing. Maybe thats why they have no vocals. Because the singing souls of their fans do it well enough. Anyway his riffs are thumping, dancilicius (thats pronounced dance-e-licius) rovers that could make a paraplegic get up and break it down, generally augmented by Evan Mast past guitar work, and into electronic wonderland. On top of the guitar Stroud lays down synth work, which tend to be drawn out and hyper chill. Then Mast takes it, lays down some mean electro-drum work, and does some kind of magic to it all. There has to be magic involved. They call it 'producing', but I say it has to be arcane. The result is hyper chill music that is almost hypnotic but still makes you want to start dancing. Oh, and it summons unicorns.


To date Ratatat has two albums, as well as two re-mix albums. The first, the self titled Ratatat, is a more sparse work. Just Stroud, his guitar, the snyths, and Mast's mixing. It's more contemplative and technical. The second, Classics is a more polished album. It feels cleaner, and more filled in, and as such it loses something of the minimalist feel that pervaded the first album. However, this is made up for the pure beauty and genius of the songs. Both works are brilliant and honestly, you should pick up both.

Just watch out for the summoned unicorns. They dont like being interrupted. They were listening to Ratatat.

Flobots

I just stumbled upon this band recently, so don't expect this review to reveal the infinite wisdom that can only come from a deep, fundamental understanding of Flobots' music. They are an indie hip hop group from Denver that started up in 2005. For people who don't generally like hip hop, the indie element should definitely soften the transition. They use a variety of sounds (I'd say instruments but I can't be sure) for the background to their very relevant and inspiring lyrics. I think that even if they don't enjoy it per se, everyone will at least have this music register as acceptable. If you somehow manage to dislike it, I'll have to pray for you (and I'm not even religious). Here's Combat and Rise for your enjoyment.

The Free Press

Extra, extra, read all about these Canadian pop-rockers in the following review! Witty opening line, I know, but my impeccable sense of humor will only get me so far. Since it's clear I'm not being funny no matter how hard I try : (, on to the writing!
While the first sentence was truly a horrifying display of uninspired writing, it was at least informative. You now know that this five-man band is from Canada (Toronto, in fact), and you know their musical style. Or...at least you think you do. To be honest, despite the labels of Pop and Rock that they gave themselves on indiesolo.com, I am at a loss as to how to categorize their music. Then again, I only have three songs. From what I've heard though, they combine the casual yet wholesome feel-good aspect of pop with wonderful harmonies and poetic lyrics. It is clear from their abilities that these guys have some type of formal musical training, but they're very down-to-earth. This probably is a result of the fact that they're virtually unknown and there's nothing to be arrogant about, but dammit I'm gonna look at it in a positive light: they haven't been corrupted by success and praise. It is therefore my hope that we can all corrupt them together by listening to Love and Wonder and The Beginning of the End of the World.

Update

I severely dislike the chronological system of organization. Therefore I have categorized everything on the side of the page. I realize that there are problems and if you post them I will fix them. The blog archive can still be found below the post list. Also check out the new banner.

Les Cowboys Fringants (or the dashing cowboys, for those non French speakers among us) are a Neo-traditional Montreal rock folk band. Honestly, it's less pretentious then it sounds. Littered with such fun instruments as mandolins, accordions, banjo's, and double basses, they are mostly unplugged and acoustic, but still manage to rock harder then the majority of their electric counterparts. Their music ranges from incredibly cheerful and downright poppy (but in a good way), to morose and drawn out, to just plain epic. Apparently, their lyrics are rather controversial and political (at least to Canadians), but as its all in French the meaning rather went over my head. Check them out and enjoy!

MGMT

Well, I realize that I probably should have gotten around to this earlier, but sometimes it takes having a song like Electric Feel stuck in you head all day to motivate. This post goes out to my friends at Wesleyan University, the birthplace of this band. If you listen to Indie 103.1 or Kroq you've probably heard their song Time to Pretend, with its ridiculously catchy sound, or maybe even Future Reflections. Also, Time to Pretend is featured in the opening of the movie 21 (which is definitely worth checking out). The rising (or maybe they've risen by now...) indie band toured in 2005 with Of Montreal (hint: self promotion for me). Their 2007 album, Oracular Spectacular, is a great listen for those fans of the indie music. For another tease that you may not have heard, check out this song, Weekend Wars a personal favorite. If you want to see the band live, and live in the California area, they are playing at Coachella on the 26th. Check out their myspace page with this link: MYSPACE.

Of Montreal

What with The Blakely having recently written up The Apples in Stereo, I thought I would post about fellow former E6ers Of Montreal. Despite the somewhat misleading name, the band is from Athens, Georgia. The band has a somewhat similar, albeit less electric sound, than The Apples in Stereo. Their Indie Pop music is at times incredibly catchy, and after a listening you might find yourself stuck on a tune for hours.

Their 2007 album, Hissing Fauna: Are You the Destroyer?, features emotional, personal lyrics, held up in harmonies and rhythm. The band was referenced in Poycpak's 2007 short entitled, Hipster Olympics (a funny video and tribute to Monty Python's The Upper Class Twit of the Year) as "a band that had been discovered and since sold out". Check out their song Heimdals Gate Like a Promethean and enjoy.

The Bastard Suns

This post is more about a song than a band. I found these guys on indiesolo.com on the top mp3's list. From the song that I'm posting today, it's easy to see why. The Bastard Suns fit into one and only one amazing genre of music: ska. They're the kind of ska that primarily goes on punk, rock, and reggae sounds to make their music. Today's song shows how well these elements can come together to create an anthem in celebration of beer. Other ska songs that come to mind are Beer by Reel Big Fish, Beer by Mustard Plug, and Beer's OK by Secret Agent 8. The mood is rowdy yet relaxed, which makes for the perfect medium to deliver the lyrics ("...but that's all right as long as I've got a pint") in a convincing manner. The punk rock pace starts quick enough to jump-start your heart and bring it out of that cardiac arrest all your other music has put it into, and soon your pulse starts pounding along with the drums. But then just before you get a heart attack from goin' to fast, they move into a smooth reggae section to bring you back down. Perhaps this type of music isn't your style. Maybe you think it's too heavy or fast or hard or what have you. If that's the case, anyone who likes it doesn't care and wants you to stop whining. The time has come. The phone is ringing, and it's for you. Will you answer? Destiny's on the other line, and in the background it's playing My Pint by The Bastard Suns. Your move.

The Apples in Stereo

The Apples In Stereo are a sorta Indie pop/Indie rock band from Denver, Colorado. Primarily the brainchild of lead vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist Robert Schneider, they feature an impressive lineup of musicians including TWO people on the keyboards! Sounds like a review I wrote earlier...*cough West Indian Girl cough*
The similarities don't end there (but I'm writing about The Apples In Stereo). They too have a pop/psychedelic combination in their sound, although they are much more light and up-beat than West Indian Girl is on occasion. They are often characterized as having bright and catchy lyrics, and if The Bird That You Can't See doesn't prove it, then may I be struck down now by a flying ice cream truck. *waits*...okay we're good. What's more, these great lyrics are delivered with cheery vocals and soothing harmonies that are more than appropriate for the Apples to produce. But their magic doesn't lie solely in their lyrics; the 60's pop/rock sound that they've adapted and shifted to work with electronic sounds and unconventional beats (at least for that genre) serves to hook you - mind, body, and soul - and never let you go. Every time I hear another song of theirs that I like I wonder how I've managed to live so many years without it. And just to get your feet tapping along, here's 7 Stars and Open Eyes from their CD New Magnetic Wonder.
Just as a reminder: though I called them the Apples a coupla times in the review to save time, keep in mind that they are called The Apples In Stereo. The Apples is actually a Scottish indie dance band, so don't get them mixed up.