11.23.2007
Alberta Cross
A little birdie sent me Alberta Cross's The Thief & The Heartbreaker, telling me to "think The Band + Band of Horses/Laurel Canyon circa 1969!" I was completely lost on the Laurel Canyon bit (I now know its L.A. connotations), but being that Band of Horses has my soul, I immediately gave a listen and then proceeded to fall in love. The opening title track opened subtly enough but then soon gave way to the wailing, pitch perfect voice of Petter Ericson Stakee. I was struck! The Summer of Love came into mind -- this voice belonged in the Monterrey Pop Festival of '67! And then imagine my surprise when I learned the voice was British! How a voice and sound could perfectly encapture the American Flower Children of the yesteryears while coming from overseas, I have no idea.
The disc whirred on to deliver more enchanting tracks showcasing Stakee's incredible pipes and the soaring riffs coming with them. The music was '60s, folk rock, bluesy, Norcal, timeless. Here's one for the English!
m4a The Thief & The Heartbreaker
m4a Old Man Chicago
Video for "Hard Breaks"
[Alberta Cross's Myspace][Alberta Cross's Official site]
11.21.2007
[Wonderful! Numberful! Mix]
I don't think I can get by a whole day without doing it. Hell if I'm bored enough, I can do it to every person I walk by. Count, that is. What were you thinking? Ah! Ah! Ah! Alina, I stole one of your mix themes! It couldn't be helped; my favorite arithmomaniac Muppet, Count Von Count, reminded me just how "vonderful" numbers can be. So without further ado, here's take two - that's two, two takes! Ah! Ah! Ah! - on the numbers mix with Wonderful! Numberful!Wonderful! Numberful! Mix (all songs are right click - save as & artist name leads to site):
Architecture in Helsinki -
Bishop Allen -
The Chalets -
The Decemberists -
The Grates -
Noah & The Whale -
The Starlight Mints -
Tender Trap -
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Otherwheres - Today's No Music Day - stop listening to these tracks now!
Otherwheres - Yesterday was Two-Take - two, that's two takes! - Tuesday at IGIF...
Otherwheres - Gorillaz B-sides over at Covert Curiosity, head on over...
Labels: Mix
11.16.2007
[Shitdisco]
"Who you'd like to be like? Who would you like to be liked? How we like to be liked? Or how we like to be alive?"Despite the moniker, this band is neither shit nor disco. Maybe...because this band has no noticeable elements of disco, it makes for a shitty disco? However the hell it breaks down, let it be known that this is Shitdisco. Shooting out of Glasgow, Scotland, Shitdisco assembles a sound that's surely no stranger to their patria. Nevermind about their accents, but Shitdisco is a quartet that certainly does carry a sound that lets you know that they hail Her Royal Majesty. OK in particular, with it's driven bass line and active drum beat, is what led me to this band of hooligans. It's music that permeates from around the corner and draws you in with vocals that are sung with one suggestively high raised eyebrow - the vocals just want to shag you. It's downright ruckus music it is...
Video for Shitdisco's "OK"
Various Songs From Shitdisco (all songs are right click - save as):
OK
Reactor Party
Learn more at the Shitdisco site.
Be their friend!
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Otherwheres - It may not be Thursday anymore, but that's not gonna stop me from linking IGIF's Thursdays and Covers...
Otherwheres - Matt over at YANP shares some YouTubage of the Killers and Vines covering Helter Skelter...
Otherwheres - Have a great weekend!
11.11.2007
Fionn Regan
"I have become an aerial view of a coastal town that you once knew."With his dapper sportscoat and overgrown mop of unkempt hair, Fionn Regan could pass for a member of Maroon 5. Appearances, however, are deceiving. What Regan brings to the table, musically, is an Irish folk sound so compelling and pure that upon hearing him for the first time, I declared aloud that I had just had an ear orgasm. From Bray, Ireland, Fionn Regan could very well be compared to fellow Irish singer-songwriter, Damien Rice. If the comparison were to be made however, Regan would have to be pegged as Rice's little brother. With a higher voice and lighter melodies, Regan still holds the optimism that other folk artists seem to have exchanged for the dark and passionate.
Fionnregan.com tells us that his American album, The End of History, has won the distinction of being a Nationwide Mercury album of the year. Quite frankly, I have no idea what that means, but rest assured, Fionn Regan is worthy of any awards that come his way.
This video for "Be Good or Be Gone" is beyond amusing...
mp3 Be Good or Be Gone
mp3 Hunters Map
mp3 The Cowshed
mp3 Hunters Map
mp3 The Cowshed
11.06.2007
[Fun Fun Fun Fest - One Helluva Recap]
This past weekend's Fun Fun Fun Fest may not have garnered the attention (or the amount of festival-goers) as the other two fests this city is known for, but let it never be said that FFF didn't deliver itself with just as much spirit as it's two older brothers. In only it's second year, FFF has billed acts like The New Pornographers and Of Montreal bringing about a festival that not only lives up to it's name, but gives the veteran events something to look out for in the future as well. Thanks to the kind folks at the Austinist, I was given the opportunity to attend day one and catch acts like The Lemurs, Zykos, Brothers & Sisters, Small Sins, MGMT, White Denim, Final Fantasy, Okkervil River, Of Montreal, and The New Pornographers...
Taking up the first slot of the day on Stage 1 were Austin natives, The Lemurs. Beginning their set as the fest was still slowly waking, The Lemurs played to a modest crowd, but nonetheless, brought about a set with a ferocity that could easily entertain the musings of a crowd of thousands. I hadn't heard much of the group before that afternoon, but I'm glad my real introduction to the quintet was that performance. As I watched the collective, there was just a sense of everything being right. The moves and motions on stage were mechanic, in the best sense. The placement was right; the movement was right, and so appropriately, the music that blasted through the speakers was superb. It's a shame that the curse of this early slot was a decidedly smaller crowd. The Lemurs should have garnered more attention; they deserved it. And whether or not the group felt a slight sense of disappointment at the small showing, it didn't reciprocate in their tracks. If it did, then I'm gonna have to catch these guys on a good day and see what would be, I'm sure, an even greater show...Various Songs From The Lemurs (all songs are right click - save as):
Breaking You Down
They Do What They Like
Check out more at The Lemurs site.
Be their friend!
Following The Lemurs on the other side of the stage were yet another band of locals, Zykos, a band that sort of disappeared from my musical radar two years ago. Needless to say, their set served as a great refresher course on the group's discography. I never really noticed it in the tracks before, but as their demeanor on stage reflected, Zykos carries a concentrated intensity. It's like their a bubble that just keeps getting bigger and bigger, getting ready to burst. Zykos played a fine set, but I couldn't help but feel just a little bit disappointed. I wish I could at least compare this to other performances, but this was the first time I saw them hit stage. In a way, that odd bubble analogy though helps to describe my disappointment. I went through that entire set just waiting for that bubble to pop and release something that melts my face a little, but it's like they held back and kept everything contained. The rest of the crowd didn't seem to share this though. I hadn't realized how much the park had filled up since the beginning of their set, and I probably would have continued to not notice if it wasn't for all the added applause behind me...Various Songs From Zykos:
Zeroth
Moviehome
Be their friend!
Continuing the line of local acts, Brothers & Sisters promptly placed themselves on stage after Zykos. At this point, I took a lunch break, but I still managed to watch them from my seat uphill. Fun Fun Fun is indeed a small, local-feeling festival, and even views from afar are decent. So, as I ate my pizza, I let the wind carry Brothers & Sisters' sounds to my ears. The time slot for these guys I'm sure was just happenstance, but it ended up working so well in their favor. With their summery folk and Southern charm, I feel as if the time of day complemented their set. On this unusually perfect day, the sun was warm and lazy. The breeze was cool, and all the while, the chorus sang out, "Sunshine is here to stay."Various Songs From Brothers & Sisters:
One Night
Without You
Check out more at the Brothers & Sisters site.
Be their friend!
Now the rest of the day had been fine and dandy, but I can honestly say I didn't truly give the meaning of "festival" to the event I went to until I saw this group of Canadians. From an unexpected Stage 3, Small Sins acted as my power-up and provided a set that was high with energy. I had never heard of them before. Why did I not know of them? Why was no one so kind as to point me to their direction? The Toronto-based quartet played one hell of a show, claiming, "We came to here to chew gum and kick ass, and we're all out of gum." And they did indeed kick ass. I can't remember much, but I'm sure things were flying. Small Sins - good stuff, certainly picked up my afternoon.Various Songs From Small Sins:
It Keeps Me On My Toes
What Your Baby's Been Doin'
Learn more at the Small Sins site.
Be their friend!
As Evangelicals took to stage at another part of the park, I decided to opt out and stay at Stage 3 for MGMT under the persuasion of a friend. Now let me tell you a bit about Stage 3 before I go on. Nestled in a grove of oak trees - I think they're oak, I don't know my trees - is the smaller stage where DJed sets and music with an electronic-ish mindset were slated to play. It was shady and cool, and behind it was a babbling brook whose sound rivaled any nature sound alarm clock's. In this secluded grove, MGMT started their set with a peaceful Native American flute drone that transitioned us out of that grove and into the world of MGMT. As the flute ended, they just drove right into a high energy set, and from what I could tell, they had no plans on slowing down, let alone stopping. Sure the Evangelicals were on another stage, but MGMT was well worth the stay...Various Songs From MGMT:
Kids
Electric Feel
Be their friend!
After some much needed boosts from Small Sins and MGMT, I was really ready to take on the rest of the fest. At this point, the "fun" aspect really was building, and White Denim made sure to keep it towering. Up until Saturday evening, White Denim was, generally, a band I just heard about and never really had the the pleasure of hearing. Now, I get sad when I miss the opportunity of hearing a good band. I get even more depressed when I know that good band is local. When a good band is local, you really have no excuse to miss out on them. That being said, it makes me really sad to know I let White Denim sorta just slip from my attention for a while. These guys really know how to put on a show, and to my surprise, they hadn't played a festival before. If it wasn't for that little quip, I would've never guessed that. The boys took to stage like veterans - the banter was witty, the sounds were tight. My favorite part has to be the unique delivery of vocals and overall stage antics from all three members. Watch each one, and it's as if they represented a different kind of band. I don't know what the glue binding them is, but this hodgepodge is White Denim and I finally know what all the talk is about. If you were like me, I wouldn't make it a habit to miss these guys much longer...Various Songs From White Denim:
ShakeShakeShake
Dark Sided Computer Mouth
Learn more at the White Denim site!
Be their friend!
Not many people can take to stage alone. ACL Fest had Andrew Bird; FFF Fest had Owen Pallet aka Final Fantasy, and other than their violins, they're worlds apart. When Pallet took to stage, I immediately noted how he was a bit like a character from the beloved Winnie the Pooh series. He was Christopher Robin, all grown up. Everything was the same, except at this age, his imagination and creativity sort of just allocated elsewhere - to music. Needless to say, this man is skilled with a pedal. Stretching across stage, Pallet would construct numerous loops in an effort to bring his live performance to the complexity levels of his recorded tracks. Of course, there's only so much one person can do, but despite the obstacle, Pallet managed to construct and play a great set. Before leaving our presence, Pallet, of course, brought out a show stopper cover of, surprisingly, Mariah Carey's "Fantasy." Surprising, but...oddly fitting.Various Songs From Final Fantasy:
Many Lives -> 49 MP
This Lamb Sells Condos
Check out more at the Final Fantasy site.
Be his friend!
I didn't know how I'd receive Okkervil River. When I saw them last, it was in a cush auditorium where the sextet was backed by a full horn and string section. I didn't know how you could top something like that, but in the end I realized something. So they've lost the horn and string section, so what? These boys were meant to play to a standing crowd where applause always, by standard, was a standing ovation. By the time they got to us, the group had just capped off a six-week US tour and getting ready to leave for yet another tour in Europe. Certainly appearance showed some of that, but I think it was just brushed off as being how Okkervil River is - tidy but tattered. When it came to performance though, it was just superb. There was so much character, so much spirit in what was put up by Okkervil River on Saturday evening. Lead Will Sheff laid everything out on the table and spilled every word out with perfection. Guitarwork led to a broken string, and when his hands were free , he'd loom over the audience and gesture even more emotion into his performance. Playing an even mix of both old and new tracks, Okkervil River, I'm sure, delivered one of the best performances of the fest.Various Songs From Okkervil River:
For Real
The President's Dead
Learn more at the Okkervil River site.
Be their friend!
Something, I've yet to mention is the fact that I was (and still am) just coming off a not very nice cold. In this delusional state as brought about by a bit of medication, I got to watch Of Montreal, and it was perfect because I fell for every odd ploy that was pulled on stage from the dancer with a sword and the very trippy presentation being projected onto two screens on stage. Even the smoker's haze overhead let for an appropriate effect. When Of Montreal took to stage, you knew it, and the first thing to greet us was a man in a white suit and a tiger mask beckoning us to make some noise, and so it began. Of Montreal took to stage and started with no mercy by immediately delving into favorites from the Sunlandic Twins album. High energy was abound, everywhere, inescapable and through some sort of hypnosis they just release everyone's inhibitions and let the madness take over. Of Montreal, frankly, takes you places that you don't know about, don't want to know about, and all the while, you just don't care. Seamless transitions from song to song provided for a nonstop madness that just built upon more and more insanity. Eventually, the crazy peaked, a fuse blew up and the lights went dark. No matter, Of Montreal's fun house ended up turning into a dark ride. Memorable in every way, Of Montreal helped give Fun Fun Fun it's name that night.Various Songs From Of Montreal:
Requiem For OMM2
Heimsdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse
Check out more at the Of Montreal site.
Be their friend!
The sun had set, and I could no longer see my notepad at this point. Everything dropped here is courtesy of my horrible memory, but on the upside, what little is remembered, musta been the highlights. Now, when it comes to The New Pornographers, I chose the picture above for a reason. See how they glow? That's seriously how they would be on stage even if they didn't have the convenience of lighting. As if a gift from the heavens, The New Pornographers serve as an example of what a good rock band can be when collaboration is really kept in mind. You get an overwhelming sense of family with this group, and as they project such goodness onto their music, you just can't help but feel good. With a good hour of time, The New Pornographers set off to play a great mix of songs from their newest album, Challengers, as well as discography of old. At this point, I had been in the park since around noon, and was very tired. Explosions in the Sky would take to stage next, but I was totally at peace knowing my Fun Fun Fun festivities would end with what The New Pornographers brought about that night.Various Songs From The New Pornographers:
Twin Cinema
The Laws Have Changed
Check out more at the New Pornographers site.
Be their friend!
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No Otherwheres For This Post Guys
Labels: Fun Fun Fun Fest '07
11.05.2007
New New New or New^3
The Flying Club Cup was released by Beirut on October 9 of this year.
One day later, In Rainbows was released by Radiohead on October 10.
Wayne's new mixtape, The Drought is Over Part 4 was leaked on the 19th...or something like that.
I am an avid fan of both bands and rapper, and so you can imagine my excitement when they all happened to drop (or have other people illegally drop) their latest albums in a span of eleven days. Although it is now November and therefore post-prime posting time, these three feats of musicality must not be ignored on Both Sides.
The Flying Club Cup is named after a Parisian hot air balloon festival and a picture taken of the festival by Leon Gimpel in 1910. Surprisingly enough, the music of The Flying Club Cup actually brings Parisian hot air balloons to mind. The opening trumpet blows of "A Call to Arms" would play the moment before the balloon's flight. Once in air, the steady momentum of "Nantes" and "A Sunday Smile" would push the balloon further and further into the atmosphere. The following trio of songs, of which "Cliquot" is the most notable, would see the balloon hitting rocky patches of air, with perhaps a passenger or two falling out the basket, and maybe a mini in-flight mourning. "The Penalty" would serve as a consolation, easing the balloonist back into his journey. Happy times would return once more with "Forks and Knives (La Fete)" and "In The Mausoleum." Peace and descent follow with "Un Dernier Verre (Pour La Route)" and "Cherbourg," respectively. "St Apollonia" is the touchdown, and finally, the glorious "The Flying Club Cup" is the parade and celebration of a flight well flown.
Now Lil' Wayne is the best rapper alive, no doubt. His latest mixtape, The Drought Is Over Part 4, only restates the fact. A variety of artists make an appearance, from Cassidy to Twista to Babyface to Wyclef to... Franz Ferdinand? Yes, the 15th track is set on a slow-motion cut of Franz Ferdinand's "Burn This City." The collaborations are all dynamic, but my favorite song out of the nineteen would have to be Wayne's own "Brand New." The beat on this track is perhaps the simplest out of the tape, but is, by far, the catchiest. Speaking of catchy, a hit radio-worthy song would have to be "Get Too Comfortable" featuring Babyface. Completely accessible to all music listeners, Wayne's pop appeal is definitely evident in the track. Other favorites include "I Took Her," "Ask Them Hoes" (yes, making another appearance), and "Rider," where he raps using T-Pain's little vocal effect. I think Weezy said it best when he said, "Weezy F. the greatest, battle anybody [n-word] fuck over ya favorite."
One day later, In Rainbows was released by Radiohead on October 10.
Wayne's new mixtape, The Drought is Over Part 4 was leaked on the 19th...or something like that.
I am an avid fan of both bands and rapper, and so you can imagine my excitement when they all happened to drop (or have other people illegally drop) their latest albums in a span of eleven days. Although it is now November and therefore post-prime posting time, these three feats of musicality must not be ignored on Both Sides.
What follows are synopsis and song of Flying Rainbow Drought, or Flying Over Rainbow, or Drought In Cup, or Club Rainbow 4.
The Flying Club Cup is named after a Parisian hot air balloon festival and a picture taken of the festival by Leon Gimpel in 1910. Surprisingly enough, the music of The Flying Club Cup actually brings Parisian hot air balloons to mind. The opening trumpet blows of "A Call to Arms" would play the moment before the balloon's flight. Once in air, the steady momentum of "Nantes" and "A Sunday Smile" would push the balloon further and further into the atmosphere. The following trio of songs, of which "Cliquot" is the most notable, would see the balloon hitting rocky patches of air, with perhaps a passenger or two falling out the basket, and maybe a mini in-flight mourning. "The Penalty" would serve as a consolation, easing the balloonist back into his journey. Happy times would return once more with "Forks and Knives (La Fete)" and "In The Mausoleum." Peace and descent follow with "Un Dernier Verre (Pour La Route)" and "Cherbourg," respectively. "St Apollonia" is the touchdown, and finally, the glorious "The Flying Club Cup" is the parade and celebration of a flight well flown.
More dramatic than Gulag Orkestar, the impressive instrumental arrangements showcase big, bulky, brass instruments that were previously only represented by Condon's sleek trumpet. Likewise, Gulag's light and whimsical ukelele shares the spotlight with an imposing accordion and organ. Denser and meatier and buffer and showy-er, The Flying Club Cup is the Super Sweet 16 to Gulag Orkestar's sweet family quinceanera.
mp3 Nantes
mp3 Cliquot
mp3 The Flying Club Cup
Oh, how Radiohead has changed. The big opener to it all, "15 Step" sounds almost like Bloc Party. I realize the blasphemy of comparing the god that is Radiohead to other bands (can't it only work vice versa), but even the opening riff of the second song, "Bodysnatchers" reminded me of Hey Mercedes. Have we actually lost Radiohead? The following "Nude" tells us that, no, we have not. The bittersweet, slightly minor, slightly major sound of OK Computer reaches us once more with "Nude," along with "Faust Arp" and the haunting conclusion, "Videotape." However, other songs, like the two openers, show a complete transformation of the band, most notably in percussion. Never before have I heard such peppy drumming on a Radiohead album. "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" and "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" showcase the same melancholy voice of Thom Yorke, but backed by this energetic rhythm that was, in previous albums, calm and casual. So, what do I make of this something old/something new/something borrowed/something ____ (this album isn't really bluesy) attitude of In Rainbows? I like it. Radiohead has changed with this new album, no doubt, but amidst all the change, they've still managed to remain true to their '90s rock roots.
mp3 Bodysnatchers
mp3 Nude
mp3 Videotape
Now Lil' Wayne is the best rapper alive, no doubt. His latest mixtape, The Drought Is Over Part 4, only restates the fact. A variety of artists make an appearance, from Cassidy to Twista to Babyface to Wyclef to... Franz Ferdinand? Yes, the 15th track is set on a slow-motion cut of Franz Ferdinand's "Burn This City." The collaborations are all dynamic, but my favorite song out of the nineteen would have to be Wayne's own "Brand New." The beat on this track is perhaps the simplest out of the tape, but is, by far, the catchiest. Speaking of catchy, a hit radio-worthy song would have to be "Get Too Comfortable" featuring Babyface. Completely accessible to all music listeners, Wayne's pop appeal is definitely evident in the track. Other favorites include "I Took Her," "Ask Them Hoes" (yes, making another appearance), and "Rider," where he raps using T-Pain's little vocal effect. I think Weezy said it best when he said, "Weezy F. the greatest, battle anybody [n-word] fuck over ya favorite."mp3 Brand New
mp3 Burn This City
mp3 Get Too Comfortable
Both Sides of the Mouth is a dual-authored mp3 blog based in Austin, Texas. All audio posted on this site is meant for sampling purposes only. If you really like what you hear, show it and support the artist - buy an album, buy some merch. If you represent or own any media on this site and would like something taken down please email us, and we will take the neccessary action of removing the file(s).
Notable Mixes - Brad