Best of the Month: March

It's a Hofmann Rearrangement. Oh yeah...

A new feature at CSV: Best of the Month.
This will feature links to what I think were the highlight posts of the month. So for those of you who missed those great artists or for those new readers out there, this is for you.

March was a month that saw a 5,000 visit milestone for CSV, not to mention the fact that our traffic has steadily been increasing. Keep it up!
Let's take a look at some of the best posts of March:

1) Mika, Life in Cartoon Motion-This intelligent pop songwriter (real name: Mica Penniman) is as witty as he is flashy. His sugar coated pop ditties are sure to please and conjure up the voices of Freddie Mercury or Elton John.

2) Willy Mason, If the Ocean Gets Rough-One of my new favorite singer-songwriters in the same vain as Nick Drake and/or Mark Knopfler, Willy Mason has released a sophomore masterpiece. He may not make it to the airwaves, but he made it here. Don't be surprised if this album shows up in a certain Best of list at the end of this year.

3) Air, Pocket Symphony-Well, if the name "Air" isn't enough to get your neurons firing, then I don't know what will. A pocket symphony indeed, the album is another extension of that classic Air sound.

4) Arcade Fire, Neon Bible-Although I cannot seem to understand their popularity, Patrick does. So please take Patrick's word for it and check this album out. It only reached #2 on the Billboard 200. Good for them.

5) Andrew Bird, Armchair Apocrypha-Everything I could have written about this album, I have already written in this post. My favorite album of the year thus far.

Learnalilgivinanlovin

If you were disappointed by RJD2's most recent release, perhaps you should check out Gotye's (pronounced: Goat-e-yea) debut album Like Drawing Blood. An album that really transcends genres or any classification in general, Like Drawing Blood certainly mixes and matches different samples and vocals that end up sounding coherent and complete.

Gotye is really part DJ, part vocalist, and part original songwriter. He writes songs in the way that artists like Moby does--you're never quite sure what the next track is going to sound like, but as the song "A Distinctive Sound" says, each track is a journey into sound. "A Distinctive Sound" consists of a banging bassline with semi-random humorous old-time samples. The song would otherwise be lost if not for the consistently awesome beat that rings out in the background. Or have a listen to "Learnalilgivinanlovin" which is most definitely the best song on the album. A song that probably should have come out of motown, "Learnalilgivinandlovin" is an infectiously sweet song that is sure to please all listeners. And for those that enjoy ballads, the soulful "My Heart's a Mess" shows Gotye's songwriting prowess.

Go and get your hands on Like Drawing Blood.
Listen to "Learnalilgivinandlovin" (4.9/5)
Listen to "My Heart's A Mess" (4.3/5)

I Will Tell If You Dntel

Everybody's favorite Jimmy Tamborello side project (no, not James Figurine) Dntel has just release a new album Dumb Luck. To those of you who read this blog on a daily basis, Dntel might seem an odd choice. With my electronic days behind me, it often takes a pretty darn good electronic album to make it to the blog (not that we're that big time anyhow, but there's got to be quality control).

Anyhow, Dumb Luck is less clicks and clacks, blips and bleeps and more dreamy pop that reminds me of genre-mate Milosh. Muffled scratchy noises (almost sounding like a Didgeridoo) take background to many of the songs, and psychedelic raspy vocals simply drift over the fragile melodies. I would be lying if I said I loved the album in its entirety--there are certainly tracks (i.e. the middle ones) that are lacking, but this album hits more than it misses. "The Distance" is simply a fantastic song with a great Sunday-on-the-beach feel to it. "Rock My Boat" is the most Postal Service-esque song on the album, but it lacks that particular pop quality to it that could make it a favorite.

Overall that seems to be the bottom line with this album--almost good enough to be a Postal Service imitation. I guess it's an unfair label, seeing as that Tamborello is going to forever be tied to the mail carrier.

Either way, check out Dumb Luck.
Listen to "The Distance" (4.85/5)
Listen to "Rock My Boat" (3.8/5)

Pony Up

Pony up, we're going to Chicago. Well, at least we're going to talk about The Ponys, who are from Chicago. Their third release Turn the Lights Out is due out on Matador Records on March 20.

Just so you know whether or not to buy this pretty damn good album when March 20th rolls around, I'll tell you a little about it. The Ponys have this kind of lo-fi The Strokes feel to them, and the arrangements are certainly more rock-punk driven. The band does a pretty good job of never resorting to excessive loudness to make their point, and I thank the heavens for that. There are some intoxicating basslines (see "Double Vision") and the vocals are definitely above average. Add some pretty heavy guitar and now we're talking.

My personal favorite on the album is "Double Vision", which is a sure bet to be the lead single. It's catchy, it's lazy, it's rock. "1209 Seminary" is also a highlight, which features a infectious chorus. And "Shine" is just a real solid rocking track.

Go and buy Turn the Lights Out.
Matador has provided two songs from the album:
Listen to "Double Vision" (4.6/5)
Listen to "Poser Psychotic" (3.5/5)

The Andrew Bird Post I've Been Meaning to Write

Andrew Bird is a hero. He doesn't don a cape or fly around in pants that are too tight for his build--he's a different kind of hero. He's the kind of hero that is able to make his greatest weaknesses work for him. He's the kind of hero that went to Northwestern University. He's the kind of person that just said "to hell" with all the preconceived notions he had about himself and his image. The result is simply golden.

It used to be that His Birdness did not want to identify with his birdness. His last name is so strikingly accurate in describing his affect, that it seems odd that he didn't embrace it. Until now. Try to put aside the haunting whistling of his, or the way his voice flutters over each song, or how his violin seems to flap its wings from string to string. You can't. But try. Then have a look at his album cover: the back of a the head of a Budgerigar (often confused with a parakeet...there's a difference I guess). It's the prevailing theme that His Birdness makes on the whole album--that his identity was so close this whole time but he never had time or never wanted to embrace it.

But I'm sure glad he has now. Armchair Apocrypha is full of the unique Birdisms that I find simply irresistible. On "Imitosis", he sings "We were all basically alone / Despite what all the studies have shown / What was mistaken for closeness was just a case for mitosis". And with the added stylings of Martin Dosh (drummer), Armchair has a certain full-band quality to it. In fact, the album as a whole plays out more like a full band, which suits Bird's style of music much better than his strictly solo approach prior to this effort.

On Armchair, His Birdness rarely misses; it's tough to find a song I don't think is strong. But enough of the negative side. Have a listen to "Simple X" (written by Dosh actually), and try not to sing along to the infectiously delicious track. With a great drum rhythm section and an electronic piano laying down a delectable beat, "Simple X" is a favorite. Or take "Scythian Empire" which actually appeared on Fingerlings 3, but now has some studio production to really make this song a classic. At about the 2 minutes mark, his whistling chimes in with the chorus that features what I can only describe as pop cans singing. Yes, soda (for you easterners) cans are singing. I could go on forever, but this review is already too long. So with that...

Buy Armchair Apocrypha. Go on. Get it.
Listen to "Imitosis" (5/5)
Listen to "Simple X" (5/5)
Missed Dr. Stringz? Check out the Andrew Bird as Dr. Stringz.

Sufjan is a Free Man in Paris!

Seeing as that this blog is somewhat dedicated to the esteemed singer-songwriter who goes by the name of Sufjan Stevens, I thought it appropriate to let you all know about a new Sufjan track that has surfaced from a new compilation A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, which comes out April 24th. With the likes of James Taylor, Cassandra Wilson, and Sufjan Stevens performing covers of Joni Mitchell's songs, it's sure to be pretty great. (P.S. No new development in an upcoming Sufjan album)

Buy/Preorder the album A Tribute to Joni Mitchell.

Listen to the Sufjan rendition of "Free Man in Paris" (4.8/5).
Listen to the Joni Mitchell version of "Free Man in Paris" (4.2/5) (courtesy of I Guess I'm Floating)

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

I don't have too much time for a post today, but I wanted to be sure to tell ye faithful readers about another one of my favorite blues-gospel-folk combos Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. Actually from Boston, this band has all the makings to be a real Southern folk powerhouse. High charged belts (and some good looks) from the lead singer, Grace Potter, and some serious grooving on the part of "The Nocturnals", the debut album Nothing But The Water is sure to please. If you remember my posts about Ollabelle and The Duhks, well GPTN is certainly along those same lines but perhaps with some more rock influence. I can see GPTN playing to bigger crowds, appealing to wider audiences and playing more elaborate arrangements.
Be sure to listen to "Nothing But The Water (II)" and "Some Kind of Ride". Oh, and go buy Nothing But The Water. You'll be glad you did.

Listen to "Nothing But the Water (II)" (4.8/5)
Listen to "Some Kind Of Ride" (4.6/5)

The Art of Fighting

No, this is not a post about how to defeat your foe with brute force or physical prowess. That will come later. Rather, this is a post about how to win over your enemy with deliciously delicate harmonies and grooves. Let's begin:

1) Go and buy the new album Runaways by Australian band Art of Fighting (due out March 21 in the US).

2) Put it into your CD player or other music playing device and listen.

3) Notice that this album is not hard rock or punk or anything of the sort. Notice that this album is a collection of heartfelt, folky rock songs that will have you softly swaying forth and back like a willow tree. Runaways is very much in the style of one of CSV's favorites The Damnwells' Air Stereo, in that it has a certain working man's folk character. This album isn't fluffy, but it sure does have substance. If you listen to "Eastbound" (definitely the standout), you'll be taken on a path that winds through pine trees and deep greens and browns that you just stare at for hours. I don't think I have really been able to appreciate the album for everything it is, as every time I play the tracks, I can't help but stare out the window at the scenic images that pass me by.

4) Join together with your friends and fiends. Rejoice.
Listen to "Eastbound" (4.9/5)
Listen to "Free You" (4.5/5)

Spring Awakening

When I go outside and see people actually looking up as they walk, people jogging that seem to be confused about the proper motions, and less clothes all around, I know it can only mean one thing: Spring is coming! But the arrival of spring does not just mean more sunshine and the opening of baseball stadiums, it involves an allout "Spring Awakening," complete with all the accompanying connotations.

In the words of Zack Braff, "Spring Awakening," a musical based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play, is like ""Dead Poet's Society" on ecstasy set to music. It is quite simply a masterpiece." Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to see it live, though I am planning a trip to do just that. Still, the soundtrack is full of catchy, even heartfelt, songs of teenage discovery, loneliness, pain, and of course, sex.

The album can be very generally divided into two types of songs: (1) Clever anthems a la Rent's "La Vie Boheme" in the context of early Everclear, and (2) slower, more "serious," songs about the unavoidable frustrations of human relationships--often with shared melodies between male and female voices. In category 1, we have the quasi-single of the show, "The Bitch of Living." Check out a video here! The video of the all-male song takes place in Latin class, each student rocking his own microphone and a snazzy woolen uniform. The video gives an idea of the basic format of the show, along with a glimpse of the exciting choreography. Check out the mp3's, pick up the record if you like them, and if you can, see the show!

the fences sway
the porches swing
the sky begins to thunder
crickets wander, murmuring
("The song of purple summer")

Ahh, Springtime is just around the corner...the other corner

"The Bitch of Living"
"Those You've Known"

Patrick

A Rousing Good Time

If you thought the prolific Josh Rouse was going to ride easy into the sunset after his summertime classic Subtitulo that he released last June, you thought wrong. Josh Rouse has teamed up with his girlfriend Paz Suay, with whom he collaborated with on Subtitulo. The result is "She's Spanish, I'm American", a rather bland title for an exciting duo.

Their self-titled EP "She's Spanish, I'm American" was all Rouse's idea, and the two released the EP on Rouse's record label Bedroom Classics. She's Spanish I'm American EP is like a more upbeat, faster-paced extension of Subtitulo. Featuring the always soothing voice of Rouse and the interesting sound of Suay's vocals, the 5 track EP certainly does more than simply satisfy Rouse's fanbase. Perhaps this is his new direction, as is becoming increasingly clear from his last two albums--sunnier, poppier, more delightful tunes.

Even "Car Crash" which might seem dreary and melancholy is actually a playful and witty song about driving in a cab in New York City. Or take a listen to "Jon Jon" which is definitely has that "I'm feeling hot, hot, hot" beat in the background (you know what I'm talking about?). What I'm most impressed with is the complex percussions on the EP--it's the Spanish influence I guess.

Visit their myspace. Buy the EP.
Listen to "Jon Jon" (4/5)
Listen to "Car Crash" (4.3/5)

Neon Funeral

The anticipation of a sophomore release is always a tense time for a band and its fans. This was certainly the case for Montreal's "something-tet," Arcade Fire. AF's 2004 release, Funeral, was touted by critics and major indie blogs. New York's The Village Voice ended up ranking the band 6th on their annual Pop and Jazz List, Time Magazine gave them a cover spot, and most recently, SNL featured the band on a February episode hosted by Rainn Wilson. Here's my brief take on how the album stacks up by itself and, unavoidably, in relation to Funeral.

The band kept the overall sound and image the same. Just as Funeral was loosely based around the deaths of several relatives of band members, Neon Bible expresses a certain amount of religious uncertainty: "Lord, would you send me a sign, / 'cause I just gotta know if I'm wastin' my time!" Win Butler preaches in (Antichrist Television Blues).

I really feel like I'm listening to an AF album when I get to track four, "Intervention." Outlined with pipe organ chords, the band creates the illusion that we are hearing the song from a distance until the bass and drums enter 1:40 in (Reminds me structurally of "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" and "In the Backseat" from Funeral). The subject matter is a realist critique on human relationships. Musically, it ends with a sense of triumph, complete with a string arrangement, but the vocals reveal mere acceptance: "Hear the soldier groan, "We'll go at it alone."

Some other favorites include: "No Cars Go," a remastered version of a track from the EP the band released before Funeral, "Black Wave/Bad Vibrations," and my favorite, "Windowsill" (Give it a listen!). The album picks up nicely where Funeral Left off, giving a more varied and complete collection of songs. In terms of lyrics, yes! The lyrics are on the darker side, but often with a sense of hope and sincere curiosity. Funeral had a better collection of complex and beautiful orchestrations, but Neon Bible is certain to make an excellent live translation and create even more hype for the next release, assuming the mammoth-sized band stays intact.

Go and buy Neon Bible.
Patrick

Pocket Symphony in the Air

I've been meaning to post about French electropop collective Air's newest album Pocket Symphony, but I just never really got around to it. So here it goes.

I consider Air to be pioneers--they have paved the way for bands that blur the line between electronica and rock and pop (see Zero 7, etc.). For some reason, Air has that ability to just strike a mood within the listener, better than any band I can think of as I write this post. Surround sound most definitely enhances the quality of Air's songs, as I find that they have been crafter to envelope you, dare I say, to suffocate you with their sweet and eerie grooves.

Pocket Symphony is really just an extension of the "Air sound". Great pumping basslines, soothing power chords, and of course, the ocean. I haven't figured out why, but they always seem to incorporate water sounds into their songs. But I digress. Equal parts instrumental and vocal, Pocket Symphony certainly gives the feel of grandiose arrangements (indeed like a pocket symphony). The album strays less from the longer, drawn out and rather redundant (not necessarily bad) songs that appear on Moon Safari or Talkie Walkie. These are complex, intricate rhythms that trap you in an icy cave of synths and chilling pianos. Songs like "Redhead Girl" and "The Mayfair Song" have that bigness to them that really gives the album shape, and tracks such as "Mer du Japon" deliver that electropop, laid back Air groove that I so adore.

Side note: Air also wrote the music for Charolotte Gainsbourg's 5:55, which I posted about earlier.

Jean-Beniot Dunckel (1/2 of Air) recently released a solo album simply called Darkel. I 'm not signing my approval on this one.

Okay, go and buy Pocket Symphony because you will be happy you did. And check out their myspace.

Listen to "Mer du Japon" (4.8/5)
Listen to "Redhead Girl" (4.6/5)
BONUS:
Listen to "La Femme D'Argent" (5/5)

Loney, Dear

Lighten up, kids, grab a banana. Today, we're talking about DIY (that's Do it Yourself for all those abbreviation impaired) artist Emil Svanängen (I love the Swedes!) who goes by the name of Loney, Dear. Svanangen works out of a "very modest home studio setup, using a minidisc mic and a set of headphones to avoid disturbing his neighbors" (from his myspace). The result is a Postal Service-lite, featuring songs that range from achingly sweet to the folk-anthem-like arrangements. In his most recent release, Loney, Noir, Emil blends a delicate, fragile voice that manages to just float over the melodies. Upon multiple listens, I am struck by the lack of abrasiveness in the album--not to be mistaken for overproduction (it's certainly more on the lo-fi side). The songs have this easy-like-Sunday-morning feel to them, much like those of the Postal Service, but there's also a certain workmen's quality to them. This is what music would sound like if a coal miner and a corporate secretary got together and hatched an album.

If that doesn't do it for you, then maybe you just need to check out a few of the tracks. My personal favorite "I Am John" begins as a cute na-na-na lullaby that develops into a full-fledge electrofolk song that just seeps into the cavities of your body (maybe too much imagery there). And when the horns delicately come in, it's just magnificent. Have a listen to "And I Won't Cause Anything At All" and you'll understand why I'm comparing him to TPS. [side note: Speaking of which, aren't those two due out for a new album soon? (Foreshadowing: Dntel)]

As you know, I'm encouraging a purchase here: Loney, Noir
Listen to "I Am John" (4.8/5)
Listen to "And I Won't Cause Anything At All" (4.4/5)

Half way to 5 Digits

That's right, my friends. Carl Sandburg Visits Me in A Dream has turned 5,000 unique visitors! And in celebration of this oh-so-momentous occasion, I figure its time to honor my loyal readers with a mix I call "The 5000". I'd love feedback on the mix...and feel free to make the above image the artwork associated with the mix (I spent all 5 minutes on it but won't be offended if you don't use it).

The 5000 (a.k.a CSVMAD Volume 5)
[Directions: Click on the link. Download the file. Click on archive.m3u file and everything will be added to your library.]

1. 3rd Cup: Yahu (featuring Matisyahu)--So Called
2. Downtime --Backyard Tire Fire
3. Better Off--Let's Go Sailing
4. The Bomb--New Young Pony Club
5. Relax [Take It Easy]--Mika
6. Shadows--Honeycut
7. Somewhere--Thief
8. Alone--Tennis Hero
9. I Like That--Air Traffic
10. Say Hello (feat. Sufjan Stevens)--Rosie Thomas
11. All In Good Time--Ron Sexsmith
12. You Might Walk Away--Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter
13. Paris is On--Paul Brill
14. San Francisco--Steve Tannen

Odds and Ends

So this post is going to address some changes to the blog and some other noteworthy events this week.

1) As I'm sure you might have heard, Wilco streamed their upcoming release Sky Blue Sky this weekend, and I had a change to listen to it. The album isn't due out until May 15th, so I'm hesitant to fully talk about the album right now, so I'm gonna wait. What I am going to tell you is that it's more of the same from them--and that's a damn good thing. More great solos, more great Jeff Tweedy vocals, more jangly guitars, more pumping basslines, more awesomeness. Believe the hype....Some of the tracks have been leaked on the net, and one has been provided by Wilco's official website...Make sure to pre-order when the option becomes available.
Listen to "What Light" (4/5).
Listen to "Impossible Germany" (4.8/5)

2) If I'm ever going to have a party, I am definitely inviting this guy: It's just like a mini mall.

3) Notice some changes on the left. I've included some upcoming chicago shows via chicago.tourfilter.com. It's by no means comprehensive..the website is not so good as it relies on the user (me) to put down all the artists that I like, and I just haven't been on top of it as much [thanks to Chris for this correction]. However, if I haven't already told you, check out iConcertCal. It's [expletive] awesome, and you'll never miss a show, because it works with the artists in your iTunes as opposed to a 3rd party source.
Also take notice of the link to my last.fm so you can really see what I'm listening to now (Impossible Germany actually). Kinda creepy but fun.

4) Also be sure to check out: I Find Art in Gibberish. A fan of the CSV is a friend of the CSV, so be sure to read his weblog.

And with that, toodles. Wish me luck with finals--Organic Chemistry's got nothing on me.

Some Fine Mason-ry

That would be the term to describe Willy Mason's sophomore album If the Ocean Gets Rough. Mason's the kind of singer-songwriter that brings to mind Nick Drake, Mark Knopfler and consequently Alexi Murdoch. Wise beyond his years, with a deep brooding voice that reassures that no matter what may happen, things are going to work out (That's what Nick Drake was really saying, right?).

Anyhow, Mason has spent most his life living in Martha's Vineyard, but for some reason, he hasn't made his break in the US. He is, however, pretty darn popular across the ocean. Mason, who is only 22 (!!), released his debut Where the Humans Eat at the ripe age of 19 to critical acclaim. And due out in the US March 8th, If the Ocean Gets Rough is looking to be even better. Upon listening to the album on repeat the past couple of days, I become more enamored with it after each listen. Mason blends sincere, witty, and introspective lyrics with a laid-back-guitar-and-drums approach to accomplish a rather unique sound. His voice, as I said before, is a near carbon copy of Mark Knopfler, and it is perfectly suited for the music he's making. It's so refreshing to find artists that pay attention to detail, who seem intent on delivering a product that not only sounds good but also has something important to say.

On "When the River Moves On", Mason sings a folksy tune over a bluesy bassline with an impressive choir backing him up on the chorus. And the clever lyrics continue to impress me: "we grew up in the same wood / we fished the same pond / if ever our lines tangled / we'd cut 'em before dawn". Another highlight is "Save Myself", which features a pretty catchy guitar line with an infectious "Save Myself" crying from the background. And then the drums and the piano come in and just turn this song into an all out aural banquet. It's delicious.

Check out his website, it's pretty cool. At least go and buy If the Ocean Gets Rough.
Listen to "When the River Moves On" (4.5/5)
Listen to "Save Myself" (4.7/5)

Mika

Alright, alright. So I'm not sure what the reaction is going to be like to this post. I want to tell y'all about another singer/songwriter who is huge-to say the least-in the UK. It always seems like any UK artist I hear about is always "huge overseas". But that's beside the point.

Mika's debut Life in Cartoon Motion (release date: March 27 in the US) has gotten mixed reviews so far on this side of the pond, and I figured I'd give my two cents. The first thing that comes to mind upon hearing Mika (pronounced Mee-Ka) is Elton John meets Freddie Mercury. Yea, let's go with that. Mika has got an incredible voice range, as seen in the song "Grace Kelly" which features him singing in 3 different octaves. And he loves the falsetto.

But as for the actual music itself, Mika's songwriting spreads the gamut from humor to social commentary. His songs are fun and jumpy, and dare I say, radio friendly. But overlook the overproduction of the album--concentrate on the fact that this guy is way too talented to be disregarded as Top 40 "rubbish". Upon listening to "Stuck in the Middle", I'm reminded of "Crocodile Rock"-era Elton John or even a "You Rock my World"-esque Michael Jackson. Pounding piano beats with willowing cheerful vocals does it every time for me I guess. I'm a sucker. And if you're looking for some good ol' fun, try "Big Girl You are Beautiful" which is about exactly what you're thinking.

I'm not going to say that this album is extraordinary, but it is certainly noteworthy. And as I mentioned before, it would be a shame to throw away an album just because it's popular. So join in on the fun and go get a copy of Life in Cartoon Motion.

Listen to "Stuck in the Middle" (4.7/5)
Listen to "Grace Kelly" (4.2/5) It's worth it for listening to his range.