"If You've Only Got" is a feature here on Both Sides showcasing one song, one artist. Whether you have all day to listen to it or just enough time to put it in play once, an If You've Only Got song is gonna be well worth that time. It could be something from way back or something entirely new to you, but ultimately it's just something I really feel like sharing...

First up for this feature is Fleet Foxes' Mykonos. Catching this in the stream of some obscure radio station in Europe, Mykonos is just the type of thing I wanted to hear at 3 in the morning. Classic isn't a term I would typically use to describe something in the genre, but there's something timeless with Mykonos. Showing up in their Sun Giant EP release early last year, Mykonos is a sterling example of Fleet Foxes' refined, harmonic melodies.

If You've Only Got Series 1 (artist name leads to site & all songs are right click - save as):
Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

Learn more at their site.
Be their friend!


Otherwheres - If you live in Austin, Texas and the immediate beyond, Los Campesinos! are playing at the Parish tonight. Put your boogie shoes on and be sure to head on over...

Otherwheres - It seems John over at Party Ends! is acquainted with nem-ee-sees...

Otherwheres - Have a great weekend guys!

Labels: If You've Only Got...

It seems someone out there, or Blogger itself, has a problem with me posting to things from Noble Beast. Rather than up and asking for the files to be removed, they just went ahead and deleted my post on Noble Beast entirely without telling me. Thanks Blogger and/or the person that filed a problem with it! Here's a clue for next time, see there to your right on that navbar? That's a disclaimer kindly pointing out that any file or files that need to be removed will quite simply disappear if you just want me to get rid of it - all you have to do is tell me. Files are fine, but the rest of the work for each post from the frame to the writing takes up time, and I'd appreciate leaving that portion intact. [/Rant]

So it seems I can't share in this round everyone, but I'd still like to whole-heartedly point out that Noble Beast really is quite an album and deserves a good listen.

My picks from Noble Beast:
Oh No
Anonanimal
Not A Robot, But A Ghost

Allow me this moment to sidestep a little...

With her hair did into that individualistic 'do, Janelle Monae is, needless to say, a lady of character. This Atlanta native - I really don't want to say Atlantean - must have different cogs turning in her mind. A hidden gem of sorts, Janelle Monae's offbeat demeanor permeates into her musical style resulting in what can only be described as the product of an endless imagination. Pulling influences from wherever she sees fit, Janelle Monae's music concludes into a glorious mix of hip-hop, R&B, funk, motown and just all the things that manage to get you moving.

Various Songs From Metropolis: The Chase Suite (all songs are right click - save as):
Violet Stars Happy Hunting!!!
Many Moons

Learn more at her site.
Be her friend!


Otherwheres - Flight of the Conchords news over at You Ain't No Picasso...

Otherwheres - Yes, we are talking now indeed....

Otherwheres - And with reference to above - yes, yes there's been an unofficial list of sorts that popping up in places regarding SXSW, and yes, yes I will get to it....someday.

If I had to sum up Animal Collective in one word, it would be "weird." They sound, look, taste, smell, feel weird. This has always been. Their latest release, however, Merriweather Post Pavilion, released officially in the States yesterday, is a little less weird than its discography-mates. Is this good or bad? Oh. It's very, very good. So good, in fact, that I have already given it my #1 spot for Alina's Top 9 Albums of 2009. And it's not even February yet.

Now, what is it that makes Merriweather such pure musical enjoyment? Animal Collective has always been good (Sung Tongs and Strawberry Jam are favorites), but their newest release is simply great. Every song is just... great. When I first listened to Animal Collective, I remember being overwhelmed by the weirdness of the sound. The stream of thoughts circulating around my head went a little something like, "What the fuck... Ah! What was that! What the fuck..." My thought process upon listening to Merriweather for the first time was much more peaceful: "Oh God, this is awesome." Is it because I've been listening to AC and simply become accustomed to their musical antics and inclination toward strange sounds? I really don't think that's it. I truly believe that, with their latest release, they struck some chord with the overall listening public. They've whittled down their music to its purest form and focused their energies on creating an impact.

That impact was largely due to the striking lyrical repetition and quality of their new music. Have you seen Good Will Hunting? Remember the scene where Robin Williams and Matt Damon are alone in the office, and Robin just keeps on saying to Matt, "It's not your fault." For those of you who don't remember, it went a little something like:

ROBIN: It's not your fault.
MATT: Oh, man, I know.
ROBIN: It's not your fault.
MATT: ... I said I know... I know.
ROBIN: (getting a little closer) It's not your fault.
MATT: I know! I know! I know! (weeps in ROBIN's arms)

This perfectly mirrors my experience with "Also Frightened."

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE: Are you also frightened?
ALINA: Mm... good song, man...
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE: Are you also frightened?
ALINA: Wow, this is like, really ambient and shit. Good song...
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE: Are you also frightened?
ALINA: Hmm... what... is this... emotion... I am beginning to feel...
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE: Are you also frightened?
ALINA: (in tears) Yes, I am! I am also frightened!

For real. Whereas before, Animal Collective did a lot more of the "ooOOOooh.. aaAAAah... Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah" as vocals (listen to "Leaf House"), now they've exhibited this poetic sincerity that is unmistakingly beautiful. And like-able. And only a little bit weird.

mp3 My Girls
mp3 Also Frightened
mp3 Lion In A Coma

So, if you haven't heard, there's quite a bit of hub-bub about something happening today.

To The 44th (artist name leads to site & all songs are right click - save as):
Adam Freeland VS Daft Punk - Aer OBAMA
Janelle Monae - Mr. President

Out of the smoke and ashes, the two of us here at Both Sides have a surprise for you - our favorite person in the world. While Alina's been covering for me, I've been at work on an entirely new template. Unfortunately, over the course of the next few days, things might hiccup, but I'll get to fixing them as soon as I can.

While you're here, over the next few days, if you see anything amiss, comment it over and I'll check it out.