30:Artist: The Magnetic Fields
Learned About 'em: eMusic
Ideas!: What is not to love about Stephen Merrit? He amassed an album called 69 Love Songs which is indeed, 69 love songs. I began to download them off of eMusic but really 69 songs is quite a few so I turn to alternative means. I've always, always, always been a huge fan of Book of Love and so should the world , other gems include Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side, Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits and others.
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: So long as you like kinky cool sounds and whack lyrics, let's get magnetic!
29:Artist: The Killers
Learned About 'em: All over the radio, all the time.
Ideas!: Probably the most popular band in the lower 29. They are catchy, have lyrics that don't make a ton of sense, and are best enjoyed at a high volume, all keys to popular bands. Brandon Flowers (lead singer) said that Sam's Town would be "one of the best albums people would remember 20 years from now; Brandon Flowers is crazy. I used to listen to them much more than I do now. Times a'changin'.
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: Are you a fan of loud stuff that doesn't make sense? Yes? The Killers are for you!
28:Artist: Lunasa
Learned About 'em: Gaaabe
Ideas!: Mellow Irish flute and stuff. Very pretty and very enjoyable. instrumental music can really be a blessing when you need some time alone to think, a lot of people write it off but I think it has many positive attributes. I saw Lunasa play in Avendale a few years back, I don't know if these guys are still together. Worth a listen!
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: Sooth your soul.
27:Artist: Super Furry Animals
Learned About 'em: Probably N8
Ideas!: Whoaaa different from Lunasa. Psychedelic crazy pop rock. I don't know a lot about them, but I enjoy listening to them occasionally. Their stuff is pretty wild, I like Rings around the World and It's Not the End of the World?
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: Fun stuff to drive around blastin'.
26:Artist: Interpol
Learned About 'em: nate
Ideas!: As one of my friends once said: “Interpol is like one long cool song.” I could only pick out two of their songs (No Exit and Evil) but I really like all of their songs. The music itself is pretty dark and scary.
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: Don't let my lackluster review frighten you away!
25:Artist: Neko Case
Learned About 'em: Nate
Ideas!: Neko is unexpectedly from Tacoma, Washington. I always image her growing up down South with a deep and beautiful voice like hers. According to Wikipedia she left home when she was 15 and began playing music, 15! She has several albums, my favorite of which is Blacklisted. I'd really like to see her play live someday, but shows are pretty expensive- the price of talent, I'll have to just suck it up. Neko is also a part of The New Pornographers, more on them later.
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: I love your silvery voice.
24:Artist: Yo La Tengo
Learned About 'em: I don't know.
Ideas!: I don't have too much to say about YLT. My favorite album is I'm Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass (Mr. Tough, Beanbag Chair, Black Flowers) I enjoy them in small doses but too much at once can be overwhelming and drive you slightly insane. Overall I think I would describe them as relaxing though.
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: To go off on my own Let me be to go home I feel like going home
23:Artist: Andrew Bird
Learned About 'em: eMusic
Ideas!: I love Andrew Bird. He plays all sorts of interesting instruments, namely strings and adds a ton of ingenious lyrics to his songs. We share an attitude towards society, at least in the song Measuring Cups “So put your backpack on your shoulder, be the good little soldier.” which endears me to his music. I think his best album is Armchair Apocrypha but that is most likely because it was the first one of his I got, regardless it is excellent. I have got to see him play live sometime, I imagine he puts on a very good show.
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: Excelllllent!
22:Artist: The Polyphonic Spree
Learned About 'em: EMUZIK
Ideas!: Funky electro-pop. Most of the stuff of theirs that I know is very upbeat and invigorating, but then I can only remember two of their songs right now. (Reach for the Sun and Hanging Around the Day). I'm sure the rest of it is too.
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: “Just follow the day... follow the day and reach for the Sun!”
21:Artist: The National
Learned About 'em: Nate, I think.
Ideas!: Goodness gracious, 21? I would have pegged them higher. Anyway The National has a sound that I'm having trouble describing. Imagine someone is narrating your quasi-depressing inner city life black and white movie and that may be The National. I think they're from Brooklyn or SoHo or something, somewhere appropriate. They just released a new album which I of course haven't listened to yet, undoubtedly it's as good as Alligator and Boxer. Another band I'd like to catch live.
Chicka-dee-dee-dee: We're out looking for astronauts...
Just two more installments!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
I'm so depressed
"Oh lord, I'm so depressed. Help me somebody I need some rest." - Abner Jay
So I was in Montreal this past weekend for the jazz festival (which was awesome), and I happen to catch Basia twice. The whole experience was terrific and I'll write about it later, now I want to talk about her cover of "I'm so depressed" by Abner Jay.
The fact that Basia was playing the jazz fest at all was a bit strange, only because she doesn't really play jazz. Maybe that's why she chose to play a sort of jazz-blues. In any case it was delightful.
I have an Abner Jay album although admittedly I haven't listened to it much. The album I have, "One Man Band", includes "I'm so depressed" which has some interesting, clever, and amusing banter in the beginning about cigarette butts.
"You know they're going to stop making them king size cigarettes and start making them queen size ones because it's got a bigger butt."
"Do you know why elephants don't smoke? Because they can't get their butts in the ashtray!"
The song is Classic blues.
Link to download-
Basia really crushed this cover. She really worked her voice inflections into the song and made it all her own. Standing up there with a ukulele-like instrument she delivered trembling vocals ("I need somebody to hold my hand.") which at times erupted with powerful passion ("Will there be someone, someone to wipe. Dry the tears from my eyes?) It was really incredible.
I had never heard her do this cover before so I'm assuming it's pretty new. It once again showcased that heartbreaking side of her music that makes songs like "Before I Knew" and "In the Night" that much better.
"Oh lookin' back across my life, Oh lord I'm so depressed."
EDIT:
Check out these tube's for some ok recordings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=satbvYy73QU <-BB Hillside festival
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0GKsiHF20o <-BB Montreal JazzFest (day 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILPBxkiYyLA <-BB Montreal JazzFest (day 3)
So I was in Montreal this past weekend for the jazz festival (which was awesome), and I happen to catch Basia twice. The whole experience was terrific and I'll write about it later, now I want to talk about her cover of "I'm so depressed" by Abner Jay.
The fact that Basia was playing the jazz fest at all was a bit strange, only because she doesn't really play jazz. Maybe that's why she chose to play a sort of jazz-blues. In any case it was delightful.
I have an Abner Jay album although admittedly I haven't listened to it much. The album I have, "One Man Band", includes "I'm so depressed" which has some interesting, clever, and amusing banter in the beginning about cigarette butts.
"You know they're going to stop making them king size cigarettes and start making them queen size ones because it's got a bigger butt."
"Do you know why elephants don't smoke? Because they can't get their butts in the ashtray!"
The song is Classic blues.
Link to download-
Basia really crushed this cover. She really worked her voice inflections into the song and made it all her own. Standing up there with a ukulele-like instrument she delivered trembling vocals ("I need somebody to hold my hand.") which at times erupted with powerful passion ("Will there be someone, someone to wipe. Dry the tears from my eyes?) It was really incredible.
I had never heard her do this cover before so I'm assuming it's pretty new. It once again showcased that heartbreaking side of her music that makes songs like "Before I Knew" and "In the Night" that much better.
"Oh lookin' back across my life, Oh lord I'm so depressed."
EDIT:
Check out these tube's for some ok recordings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=satbvYy73QU <-BB Hillside festival
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0GKsiHF20o <-BB Montreal JazzFest (day 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILPBxkiYyLA <-BB Montreal JazzFest (day 3)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Women in Alt. Music
I know the title isn't great but it gets the job done. I made a Sporcle quiz today, see how you do!
http://www.sporcle.com/games/moose14991/altmusic
http://www.sporcle.com/games/moose14991/altmusic
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Basia's New CD (after having heard it)
It has finally arrived! I pre-ordered (sort of) Basia's CD via dropping by the local record store Albums on the Hill the day before the CD was released and was able to pick it up the next afternoon. Unfortunately I was unable to actually listen to the album until the evening but I was finally about to toss myself onto my bed, plug my busted headphones in and absorb the album in full. I have been thinking about the CD for awhile now, I haven't really been able to determine a great opinion of it as of yet.
--Several months later--
This review never really got underway, but I do remember picking up the CD for the first time like it was yesterday. Since the release of this album I saw Basia play in Philly and have had a much longer time to develop a taste for the music. It is wonderful.
1. Go On
Here's a love song about what seems like lost love. Not the kind of lost love that comes to mind first, it seems like the other party has done something different than "wrong". There is a violin throughout the song to creating an ongoing flow and drums giving it a little punch. This is the most popular Basia song in the past 6 months on Last.fm
2.Run
I think this a travelin' song. "When I took myself far and away from everyone that I knew..." Like most Basia songs it has a hint of sadness and longing. "there's nothing more I want than to be followin' you."
3.Sugar and Spice
Sad times for Basia. This song is about regretting a past confident of sorts, and realization of making an error and moving on. "Oh, oh, oh how I've done myself in."
4.Gold Rush
This song was a pre-release for the album and it was joyous and exciting. In many interviews Basia talks about her childhood dream of visiting the Yukon, that's just what this song is about. The gold rush took place of course in the Yukon and left ghost towns after it left. Some have persevered such as Dawson City (Basia's first mosh pit!) who she personally thanks in her liner notes. The song itself is one of more upbeat ones on the album, it rocks.
5.Heart of My Own
Title track! This is one of my favorite tracks because of how well it showcases Basia's awesome voice. Hearing her dive into the chorus the first time live was incredible. The song is about choosing your way in life, apparently Basia isn't really into the idea of being a mother or a housemaid. There is a kick drum throughout the song giving it a steady and stable feel.
6.Sparrow
Ok, this is my favorite song on the album. The album features Basia alone with a uke. In Philly she played this song sans a microphone, the result was just Basia, a ukulele, and this beautiful song. "let your bird go lost, I will bring her back to you in spring, she won't change at all, let your sparrow fall to what might be..."
7.If Only You
Another song regretting love. "I tried before, I wanted more, no matter what you had." "If only you... would have the heart to me back." (Who wouldn't!?!) "The trouble is I still can't choose who I want by my side..." Ah, I see.
8.I'm Forgetting Everyone
3:25 of characteristic Basia.
9.The Shore
This song is played mostly on a "hammered harp" which was born in Philadelphia! "Even though the thoughts behind, I came just to remind you I love you so... I love you so." Beautifully Basia. I can't really do this song justice with a description, listen to it!
10.Once More, For the Dollhouse
"We swore to no strangers, now they've crowded up our hearts.." Love, disconnect, dreams of love. "Your dreams are so quiet, don't you need me anymore.." I think we all know that feeling. Sad song.
11.Walk You Down
"You know devotion is hard to keep, but it's there every time that you're near me." I think this song is about that uneasy tension between two people with a history. "If you're not too proud, would you walk me down?" I wish this song answered that question.
12.If It Rains
"You can leave your friends where you found them, for your soul is still a mountain." Sometimes it is easier just to run, good thing I can fly. Basia seems to use part of this album to tell her story about past friends and moving on from home, which is precisely what was going on with my life when this album came out. This song brought it all home. As Basia puts it; "sometimes it's ok to be sad."
Terrific work Basia, see you in August!
--Several months later--
This review never really got underway, but I do remember picking up the CD for the first time like it was yesterday. Since the release of this album I saw Basia play in Philly and have had a much longer time to develop a taste for the music. It is wonderful.
1. Go On
Here's a love song about what seems like lost love. Not the kind of lost love that comes to mind first, it seems like the other party has done something different than "wrong". There is a violin throughout the song to creating an ongoing flow and drums giving it a little punch. This is the most popular Basia song in the past 6 months on Last.fm
2.Run
I think this a travelin' song. "When I took myself far and away from everyone that I knew..." Like most Basia songs it has a hint of sadness and longing. "there's nothing more I want than to be followin' you."
3.Sugar and Spice
Sad times for Basia. This song is about regretting a past confident of sorts, and realization of making an error and moving on. "Oh, oh, oh how I've done myself in."
4.Gold Rush
This song was a pre-release for the album and it was joyous and exciting. In many interviews Basia talks about her childhood dream of visiting the Yukon, that's just what this song is about. The gold rush took place of course in the Yukon and left ghost towns after it left. Some have persevered such as Dawson City (Basia's first mosh pit!) who she personally thanks in her liner notes. The song itself is one of more upbeat ones on the album, it rocks.
5.Heart of My Own
Title track! This is one of my favorite tracks because of how well it showcases Basia's awesome voice. Hearing her dive into the chorus the first time live was incredible. The song is about choosing your way in life, apparently Basia isn't really into the idea of being a mother or a housemaid. There is a kick drum throughout the song giving it a steady and stable feel.
6.Sparrow
Ok, this is my favorite song on the album. The album features Basia alone with a uke. In Philly she played this song sans a microphone, the result was just Basia, a ukulele, and this beautiful song. "let your bird go lost, I will bring her back to you in spring, she won't change at all, let your sparrow fall to what might be..."
7.If Only You
Another song regretting love. "I tried before, I wanted more, no matter what you had." "If only you... would have the heart to me back." (Who wouldn't!?!) "The trouble is I still can't choose who I want by my side..." Ah, I see.
8.I'm Forgetting Everyone
3:25 of characteristic Basia.
9.The Shore
This song is played mostly on a "hammered harp" which was born in Philadelphia! "Even though the thoughts behind, I came just to remind you I love you so... I love you so." Beautifully Basia. I can't really do this song justice with a description, listen to it!
10.Once More, For the Dollhouse
"We swore to no strangers, now they've crowded up our hearts.." Love, disconnect, dreams of love. "Your dreams are so quiet, don't you need me anymore.." I think we all know that feeling. Sad song.
11.Walk You Down
"You know devotion is hard to keep, but it's there every time that you're near me." I think this song is about that uneasy tension between two people with a history. "If you're not too proud, would you walk me down?" I wish this song answered that question.
12.If It Rains
"You can leave your friends where you found them, for your soul is still a mountain." Sometimes it is easier just to run, good thing I can fly. Basia seems to use part of this album to tell her story about past friends and moving on from home, which is precisely what was going on with my life when this album came out. This song brought it all home. As Basia puts it; "sometimes it's ok to be sad."
Terrific work Basia, see you in August!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Why we love Basia
This is an attempt to explain why we here at UVPig have a seemingly never ending love for Basia Bulat.
1.) The Introduction
Basia was introduced to me by my good friend Achsah Joseph. Actually, Achsah was certainly my best friend at the time of this wonderful introduction. She created a wonderful little mix-CD for my favorite made up holiday, Daffodil Day. The Pilgriming Vine was the second song on the CD (and the second song Basia played at her concert in Philly!) and will always be one of my favorites. Whenever I missed AQ during my senior year (she had gone off to college) I would play that song, with 134 plays it is by far the most played of any of my Basia collection. There's nothing like daffodils in the spring time.
2.) Canadian
When I was young my family would always take summer vacations to Canada. My father had some sort of fascination with avoiding people and warm temperatures at all costs. Every August for 7 or 8 years we would take off in the station wagon or the Jetta and spend a few weeks in Nova Scotia, Quebec, New Brunswick or some combination of those provinces. Because of these frequent trips I developed most of my cherished childhood memories in places such as Kouchibouguac and Kejimkujik national parks, St. Andrews in Nova Scotia, and the serene Milford House. How is this connected to Basia? I think the connection is subtle. No we didn't have strong connections to the music of the area beyond the Macmasters and A Taste of the Maritimes. I did develop a strong connection with the outdoors and the sea (not to mention the poutine), many of Basia's songs deal with nature and Canada's beautiful landscapes which I I myself fell in love with as a child.
3.) Oh, My Darling
"We swam in the river, and sang with the birds. Gave away our hearts before we knew what they were." - I Was a Daughter
I'm not going to pretend I know exactly what Basia means by this, but it sounds eerily familiar to my dreamy summer romance. In fact Oh, My Darling was more or less a soundtrack to what was undoubtedly my favorite summer in recent memory. The album is just filled with genuine heartbreaking love songs that I've always been able to connect to personally (especially once the summer ended and it was time to head west). Oh, My Darling is everything I could ever want to express about that period of my life.
4.) Basia
All of this is without mentioning Basia herself. She has deep hallowing vocals, plays instruments ranging from the ukulele to the autoharp, and connects to all the music she performs. When you listen to Basia you get the feeling that she is just singing her heart out every time. She tours all the time and rarely charges ticket prices over $10. Her band includes her brother, "Allison Wonderland", and "Holly Rancher" (who pens her own fantastic blog). They drive across continents in a van together and play in beautiful little venues (mostly churches). I had the pleasure of meeting Basia at in Philadelphia, she was very personable and accessible, it was a real pleasure. Just seeing Basia is enough to make you smile.
I hope this clears up the reason for Basiacentricity here on UVPig. Don't forget to buy Heart of My Own and see Basia play for free at Summerstage August 1st in Central Park NY!
1.) The Introduction
Basia was introduced to me by my good friend Achsah Joseph. Actually, Achsah was certainly my best friend at the time of this wonderful introduction. She created a wonderful little mix-CD for my favorite made up holiday, Daffodil Day. The Pilgriming Vine was the second song on the CD (and the second song Basia played at her concert in Philly!) and will always be one of my favorites. Whenever I missed AQ during my senior year (she had gone off to college) I would play that song, with 134 plays it is by far the most played of any of my Basia collection. There's nothing like daffodils in the spring time.
2.) Canadian
When I was young my family would always take summer vacations to Canada. My father had some sort of fascination with avoiding people and warm temperatures at all costs. Every August for 7 or 8 years we would take off in the station wagon or the Jetta and spend a few weeks in Nova Scotia, Quebec, New Brunswick or some combination of those provinces. Because of these frequent trips I developed most of my cherished childhood memories in places such as Kouchibouguac and Kejimkujik national parks, St. Andrews in Nova Scotia, and the serene Milford House. How is this connected to Basia? I think the connection is subtle. No we didn't have strong connections to the music of the area beyond the Macmasters and A Taste of the Maritimes. I did develop a strong connection with the outdoors and the sea (not to mention the poutine), many of Basia's songs deal with nature and Canada's beautiful landscapes which I I myself fell in love with as a child.
3.) Oh, My Darling
"We swam in the river, and sang with the birds. Gave away our hearts before we knew what they were." - I Was a Daughter
I'm not going to pretend I know exactly what Basia means by this, but it sounds eerily familiar to my dreamy summer romance. In fact Oh, My Darling was more or less a soundtrack to what was undoubtedly my favorite summer in recent memory. The album is just filled with genuine heartbreaking love songs that I've always been able to connect to personally (especially once the summer ended and it was time to head west). Oh, My Darling is everything I could ever want to express about that period of my life.
4.) Basia
All of this is without mentioning Basia herself. She has deep hallowing vocals, plays instruments ranging from the ukulele to the autoharp, and connects to all the music she performs. When you listen to Basia you get the feeling that she is just singing her heart out every time. She tours all the time and rarely charges ticket prices over $10. Her band includes her brother, "Allison Wonderland", and "Holly Rancher" (who pens her own fantastic blog). They drive across continents in a van together and play in beautiful little venues (mostly churches). I had the pleasure of meeting Basia at in Philadelphia, she was very personable and accessible, it was a real pleasure. Just seeing Basia is enough to make you smile.
I hope this clears up the reason for Basiacentricity here on UVPig. Don't forget to buy Heart of My Own and see Basia play for free at Summerstage August 1st in Central Park NY!
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