VWs Batmanglij’s Blockbuster Orchestral Score
May 28, 2008
Whatever your seasonal preference Vampire Weekend’s eponymous debut belongs in summer catalogue just like the band’s wardrobe, but Rostam Batmanglij seeks to speed towards the fall equinox with his “new” string orchestral edit of “Campus”. With the subtle string arrangements present of VW, it might strike at first an unmixed demo, but after some research it seems like it might be a pre-VW rendition, and it’s damn good. Something for day-walkers i guess.
Rostam Batmanglij-Campus (Edit)
2008 has been a 6-month, non-stop Vampire Weekend with SPIN proclaiming the best band of the year had already been found in March many of us gave a nod of skeptical but subtle approval (as for people crying “solid afrobeat throwback”, that’s a bit more contentious).
From the band’s Mansard Roof EP: Vampire Weekend-Campus
Mid May Mardi Gras.
May 9, 2008
London has the River Thames + triumphant rock scene, New Orleans has the Gulf of Mexico + trumpet-ant jazz heritage, regardless of preference we can all agree on sensational Cajun Dance Party(s). Yeah, a five piece rock act from England sounds about as unoriginal as writing your own music blog, but this more inventive act will charm you after some attention.
Combining choruses that stick with non-pop verses and melodies ensures that what’s on your ipod is waaay more indie than everyone else on the street, allowing freedom to glare at all the those mainstream kids with smug disdain. (Me, considering the pop i solicit.)
Pick up your own pocket (Cajun Dance) Party The Colourful Life at the band’s website, scope their Myspace, and download “Amylase” below as a party favor (no download=party foul).
Cajun Dance Party-Amylase
EDIT: I’ve determined there may be subtle, offensive, but unintentional irony when comparing the last two posts.
Polite Conversation in a Hurricane.
May 6, 2008
Musical sects as environmentally-friendly as Cloud Cult are uncommon/preferable to most other cults. With a personal recording studio powered by geothermal energy, mass tree-planting based upon album sales, eight total annual albums and an overall green demeanor, the music is more organic than your favorite carbon compound.
Hip-ster not Hip-py, their newest record Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) boasts bouncy rhyme-heavy lyrics and an ominous weather-core sound which echoes that pleasant feeling of sipping EGCG in the calm before destructive high force winds and largely ignored warning sirens. It’s music that makes you content.
Cloud Cult- Journey of the Featherless
Cloud Cult manage to cultivate catchy music while still giving Mother Earth a desperately needed therapy session after thousands of years with too many ignorant children. Sample and download the addictive “Journey of the Featherless” and if you like, still avoid cult formation.
Florescent Neon Serengeti Rock.
May 5, 2008
Normally, the phosphorescent glow/rainbow flavored light still emitted from the 80’s is enough to make me nocturnal for weeks, but ZibraZibra manages to channel those photons to something everyone should bask in.
After one listen to “Lions on the Astroturf” it’s clear this post-awesome, rubix cube rock is unstoppable. I have to move from the place of typing, but if there is one thing i’m sure you have to listen to the above track. I’m going to go score a neon pet rock from CVS.
Just let it get to the first chorus, and you’ll get it.
Lions on the Astroturf Download
Intelligence Quotient/Stock Dividends
May 1, 2008
In 2004, Denver Colorado, with its high elevation and thin atmosphere produced Hot IQs. The trio whom met while working college radio, now makes music completely appropriate for the same medium. Articulate, deep vocals settle over sharp guitar hooks that aren’t too contrived to be pop, but also aren’t in obscure time signatures that require calculators for proper listening. Well-read lyrics with references to grammatical concepts and parts of the body, that many likely thought unnamed complete the package and as make listening completely enjoyable.
Hot IQs, latest release, The Dangling Modifier EP, dropped in late 2007, but mid 2008 in my mind is still fair game for a feature. Check out the download for “Elephant in White” below, and the bands Myspace for some more solid tracks, including “Firecracker”.
Hot IQs-Elephant in White Download
