 |
| christmas dinner |
25.12.12
24.12.12
22.12.12
August and everything after (not really, just August)
A belated post about the first couple of days in Middelburg, in mid-August. (and I need to find my camera soon, I have no clue what has become of it)
 |
| poetry on the wall |
5.12.12
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Christmas Songs
It is nearly that time of year again; the Christmas craze is so close, it's almost tangible. You know Christmas-time is officially here when SkyRadio brings back Mariah Carey's classic; that one song in which she claims she does not care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree. As if. I am not Scrooge and this is not a rant about bad Christmas music. This is a seriously objective, critical overview of Christmas/New Years/ Winter related music; mostly the former. In my book, Christmas songs can be divided into three basic categories: the classics, the awesome and the absolutely terrible (a.k.a. guilty pleasures). I deliberately choose to ignore traditional Christmas carols and I don't think I need to explain myself.
The Classics:
The Awesome:
The awesome pretty much consist of covers and original tracks performed by contemporary bands; mostly indie rock. She & Him (Zooey Deschanel's band) released "A Very She & Him Christmas" last year, covering classics like Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, with a more twee/indiepop sound. Slow Club's EP "Christmas, Thanks for Nothing" consists mainly of original tracks such as It's Christmas and You're Boring Me, or Christmas TV. It's pretty obvious that this british indie rock band is not too enthusiastic about Christmas time, but then again there's enough Christmas-cheer music out there (Santa drags it along with his reindeer posse). Sufjan Steven's box-set "Songs for Christmas" is a five volume compilation of original songs and covers; he combines songs like Did I make you cry on christmas day? (Well, you deserved it) and Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance! You can only imagine how great the rest of the album is. The most surprising sound comes out of Arcade Fire's Christmas Album, a holiday EP that made it online against the band's wishes; they recorded at a Christmas party and it sounds like they had a lot of fun in the process.
The Guilty Pleasures:
There's not many albums in this category; I suppose it's more of a single-track-overplayed-on-the-radio sorta thing. This might be a cliche but Last Christmas by Wham! is definitely one of those. It's a genuinely terrible song, but there's simply something about it that gets you singing along. Florence + The Machine covered it on BBC Radio1 and managed to eliminate (almost) every trace of cheesiness, definitely worth a listen. Next comes All I Want for Christmas is You (but you didn't hear that from me). Destiny's Child 8 Days of Christmas always makes me chuckle: "On the eighth day of Christmas my baby gave to me a pair of Chloe shades and a diamond belly ring". Last, but definitely not least, comes Madonna’s rendition of Santa Baby; I'm not sure what's worse, the fake New York accent or the cutesy-pie style, it's very amusing nonetheless.
10 Awesome Christmas Songs you've most likely not heard of:
Don't Shoot me Santa - The Killers
Christmas Wrapping (The Waitresses cover) - Dog is Dead
All I Wonderful Christmas is You - Summer Camp
The Christmas Song - The Raveonettes
I Wish It Was Christmas Today - Julian Casablancas
Got Something For You - Best Coast and Wavves
It's Christmas - Coconut Records
I Am Gonna Be Warm This Winter - Bunnygrunt
Wish List - Neon Trees
Christmas Will Be Just Another Lonely Day - Wye Oak
The Classics:
The first thing that comes to my mind is Ella Fitzgerald, simple as that. Annoying songs like Jingle Bells, or Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer turn into classy, elegant tunes in "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas". Ella however does not have the monopoly on jazzy Christmas arrangements."A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector" is a compilation of some of the finest covers of tracks like Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Winter Wonderland and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus mainly by The Ronettes, The Crystals and Darlene Love. On the other side of the spectrum, we have "Elvis' Christmas Album" which includes super-groovy (excuse the expression) Santa Clause Is Back In Town. My personal favorite 'classic' album is "Christmas with The Beach Boys". Except for a couple of obviously surf rock influenced tracks, like Merry Christmas, Baby (which is wicked), the rest of the album makes a solid Christmas soundtrack; with bells and everything.
The Awesome:
The awesome pretty much consist of covers and original tracks performed by contemporary bands; mostly indie rock. She & Him (Zooey Deschanel's band) released "A Very She & Him Christmas" last year, covering classics like Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, with a more twee/indiepop sound. Slow Club's EP "Christmas, Thanks for Nothing" consists mainly of original tracks such as It's Christmas and You're Boring Me, or Christmas TV. It's pretty obvious that this british indie rock band is not too enthusiastic about Christmas time, but then again there's enough Christmas-cheer music out there (Santa drags it along with his reindeer posse). Sufjan Steven's box-set "Songs for Christmas" is a five volume compilation of original songs and covers; he combines songs like Did I make you cry on christmas day? (Well, you deserved it) and Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance! You can only imagine how great the rest of the album is. The most surprising sound comes out of Arcade Fire's Christmas Album, a holiday EP that made it online against the band's wishes; they recorded at a Christmas party and it sounds like they had a lot of fun in the process.
The Guilty Pleasures:
There's not many albums in this category; I suppose it's more of a single-track-overplayed-on-the-radio sorta thing. This might be a cliche but Last Christmas by Wham! is definitely one of those. It's a genuinely terrible song, but there's simply something about it that gets you singing along. Florence + The Machine covered it on BBC Radio1 and managed to eliminate (almost) every trace of cheesiness, definitely worth a listen. Next comes All I Want for Christmas is You (but you didn't hear that from me). Destiny's Child 8 Days of Christmas always makes me chuckle: "On the eighth day of Christmas my baby gave to me a pair of Chloe shades and a diamond belly ring". Last, but definitely not least, comes Madonna’s rendition of Santa Baby; I'm not sure what's worse, the fake New York accent or the cutesy-pie style, it's very amusing nonetheless.
10 Awesome Christmas Songs you've most likely not heard of:
Don't Shoot me Santa - The Killers
Christmas Wrapping (The Waitresses cover) - Dog is Dead
All I Wonderful Christmas is You - Summer Camp
The Christmas Song - The Raveonettes
I Wish It Was Christmas Today - Julian Casablancas
Got Something For You - Best Coast and Wavves
It's Christmas - Coconut Records
I Am Gonna Be Warm This Winter - Bunnygrunt
Wish List - Neon Trees
Christmas Will Be Just Another Lonely Day - Wye Oak
17.11.12
Mineral Beings
Careful by Mineral Beings
Recently discovered these guys, saw them during Pop Ronde in Middelburg a
couple of days ago. Here's some live footage from that night which took place in
the local art-house cinema:
31.10.12
28.10.12
24.10.12
21.10.12
Shallow Bed (acoustic)
Dry The River are going acoustic. Wait, what? Yep, this time it's official. The acoustic version of their debut album, Shallow Bed, will be released on December 17th; right on time for Christmas shopping-mania. Ignore the marketing trick; this is one album you should be getting excited about. Perhaps I'm ever so slightly biased, being a fan of these heavily-bearded men, but this album might just be able to sneak its way into my 'best of 2012' list.
When Shallow Bed came out last spring, my first thought was YES. Having seen them twice already by that time, and having tried to collect all their leaked tracks, their lo-fi, bad sound-quality live recordings, the time had finally come to be able to enjoy their gorgeous music in the comfort of my own couch. My experience with Dry the River had been mainly acoustic - or partly anyway. The thing about DtR is that they trick you into believing that what you are listening to is acoustic. Peter Liddle, singer and guitarist, is always arm in arm with his acoustic baby and usually starts of each song solo. Then the bass, drums and violin discretely create a build-up, until they all kick in together and leave you wondering how this all happened without you noticing. At least, this is what happens at their gigs; Shallow Bed was a surprise.
The opening track of their debut album, Animal Skins, undoubtedly set the mood for what was about to follow. While listening to it for the first time however I wish it wouldn’t. It wasn’t bad at all, but somehow it didn’t grasp the essence of what DtR had seemed to be working on. The shy, mellow guitar strumming was replaced by heavy bass and soon drums entered the picture. Not much later the songs started to sound more familiar, especially round track four; History Book. Finally, the sentimental, nostalgic feel was back. Liddle begins to sound like an angel again with his falsettos, and is quickly backed-up by his fellow band-members creating chilling harmonies.
Perhaps the problem is not the track selection, or execution of the songs even. Perhaps the problem is that the energy they give out during their concerts can simply not be captured in a studio recording. This is obviously not the first, nor last band to face this issue; thank goodness they’re constantly on tour.
I have a feeling this album will be more representative of DtR’s work. Maybe some acoustic demos, like Night Owls or Coast, will be on it; a girl can dream. Until December though, you can enjoy their Exclusive Boat Concert in Amsterdam, hosted by FaceCulture on youtube. It is purely acoustic, and well, they’re on a boat cruising the A’dam canals so that’s pretty damn cool. For the real deal, you can go to Tivoli, Utrecht on the 6th or Mezz, Breda on the 7th of November.
20.10.12
19.10.12
May Jailer
So Lizzy Grant is May Jailer is Lana Del Rey
Lizzy's first album was recorded between 2005-2006, long before the LDR glamor-days. It is 100% acoustic, and it's not bad. It's pretty simple, but so shockingly different to her newer songs, and it works. Definitely a pleasant surprise.
All You Need by MayJailer
Ghosts and Skeletons and Vampires and Werewolves: A Halloween compilation
If it's acceptable for supermarkets to sell kruiden-noten three months ahead of Sinterklaas, I have the right to rant about Halloween right about now. The costumes and make-up, ghost stories and games with the Ouija board are only half the fun. The other half is finding the appropriate music to be your 'soundtrack' for the evening. Here is a short mix of different genres, ranging from level 'subtle references to Halloween' to 'okay this sounds pretty creepy' :
Arctic Monkeys – Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But...
Starting easy, not a particularly spooky song. In my defense, it does contain the word 'vampires'. Plus it's early Arctic Monkeys, so it's gold.
The Black Keys – Howlin' For You Werewolves.
Yes?
The Kills – Superstition
Black cats, broken mirrors; minimal guitars and raw vocals.
Joy Division – Shadowplay
No explanation necessary.
The Cure – A Forest
Ditto
The XX – Blood Red Moon
An early demo that did not make the album despite the dark, ethereal atmosphere.
Dead Man's Bones – Lose Your Soul
Ryan Gosling's obsession with ghosts lead him to form this Halloween-themed band. Somewhat blues-y and quite theatrical, the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir is the finishing touch.
Ghosting – Mother Mother
Indie folk, subtle Halloween theme.
Florence + The Machine – What the Water Gave Me
The combination of the melody, Florence Welch's voice and the theme of drowning make this song haunting.
Karen Elson – The Ghost Who Walks
Tough call between this or her cover of Donovan's 'Season of the Witch'.
The Smiths – Cemetery Gates
A happy indie break for you.
Radiohead – Lotus Flower
Hypnotizing, especially if you're watching Thom York dance at the same time.
The Weeknd – Initiation
I had no idea R&B could be so dark; swift rhythm, a lot of bass, a surprise.
Deadmaus – Ghosts n Stuff
We've heard it a thousand times, it's still good.
Twin Shadow – Tether Beat
If you enjoyed The XX, give this guy a listen.
Metric – Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT remix)
MSTRKRFT's take on this pop song has given it a completely new sound; slower tempo, more bass.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins – I Put a Spell On You
This must be the creepiest song of this compilation (or you could argue, the only somewhat creepy song).
1.10.12
Two Door Cinema Club
Beacon
Kitsuné, Sept. 3, 2012.
Sounds like: Bombay Bicycle Club, Foster the People, Passion Pit
TDCC’s latest release, sophomore Beacon, has not come as a surprise to the Northern Ireland trio’s fans. The catchy melodies and upbeat rhythm of Tourist History (2010) have been re-issued, with a more melancholy touch. The indie-rock/electro-pop sound that has made the band super-popular between gig/festival goers (see bellow, Paradiso sold-out) has secured them a lengthy tour throughout the United States and Europe.
As catchy as Beacon might be, however, it does give out a feeling of being ‘part two’ to Tourist History. The element of surprise is lacking and little evident progress has been made in the lads’ style of composing. Similar patterns have been re-used in their second attempt. The songs start-off slow enough, with a predictable explosion of synth, guitar, bass and drums following within the first minute.
What has changed are the quirky lyrics the boys have spoiled us with, “You would look a little better don't you know if you just wore less make-up” (Eat That Up, It’s Good For You). There seems to be a theme of homesickness and distance separating lovers in the new album; “Where do we start if we will end apart?” (Someday), “Though I'm far away I know I'll stay, I know I'll stay right there with you” (Sun), “Shut your eyes, so you see I'm there” (Handshake). This melancholy is reflected in the melodies, making a very pleasant combination with the upbeat guitar riffs.
Beacon has gloriously succeeded in not becoming a second-album flop, now only time can tell whether it’s a strong enough follow-up for Tourist History.
Two Door Cinema Club will be performing in Paradiso on November 17th 2012 (sold out) and in the Heineken Music Hall on March 1st 2013.
27.9.12
9.8.12
5.8.12
reality bites
Today I watched Reality Bites, and wow am I in love with Winona Ryder. But that is not the point.
Just watch this scene, and tell me this isn't a movie you'd wanna see.
I'm afraid the poster sums it up quite nicely, 'a comedy about love in the 90s'
(soundtrack's pretty awesome)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)