Sunset Rubdown

Sorry about the delay in posting, but it seems I'm not granted any true days off anymore because life hates me. Firstly, I wish you to be knowing of the fact that I hate being in a car as much a eating rotten fruit and a massive case of the runs. I have had to spend my last two days off in the car for the majority of them, but the second time was the more interesting. My good friend from high school got married to the girl he recently knocked up and thus it was this justice-of-peace shin-dig and I drank too much. Thus the day after I barely could pilot my automobile to my employer's let alone care about you people at all. Tell you what I can do though, on top of my shared album I'll supply you with some links to other blog's posts of what I find to be very prime material. First, extremely fine lo-fi pop from the Swedish song-wizard James Ausfahrt's A Message From God on No data. Second, posted by the premium blog, It's Okay Not To Dance, is the smartly-done mellow electronic experience of Kira Kira's Our Map To The Monster Olympics. Third, the sumpremely far-out drone and noise stylings of Yellow Swans on Deterioration Yellow Swans brought to us by ill-formed.

I do suppose it is due time to get on with my own post here. This is one I've been debating for a bit because I was unsure of how popular they really were and if a post would really be news to anyone. However, I am guessing they aren't as big in popular culture as they're to me. Sunset Rubdown, other than being a sweet-ass named band, is a sort of side-project of Spencer Krug (that name perhaps wrongly provokes an image of a nerdy viking in my mind). Krug is a member of Wolf Parade and occasionally Frog Eyes as well, and therefore is one busy bee of indie. To date there have been two full-lengths and an EP, at the moment I lack the EP but I'm sure we'll make do. The muisc is surprisingly different from Wolf Parade, for those that aren't huge on them, and the vocals feel really different to me, but it is likely mood more than anything. Shut Up I'm Dreaming was the first album, and it is the more lo-fi of the two. The songs are interesting and the lyrics fun-listening, but this album is good to have after hearing what they achieved upon their second try. Random Spirit Lover is absolutely fantastic in the fashion in which in capitalized on the different instrumentation in Sunset Rubdown compared to Wolf Parade and how they made it so amazingly full sounding. There isn't a thing I could imagine being added or subtracted from this album to make the music sound any better. In addition, Krug's singing goes to new levels with his sustained note-bending croons. I was blown away with the first track, "The Mending of the Gown." Let's say I like this shit a lot, and therefore hopefully you will too.

To be had here:



Shut Up I'm Dreaming (2006) [224 VBR kbps]










Random Spirit Lover (2007) [256 VBR kbps]
First Half
Second Half

Henri Salvador - Chambre Avec Vue (2000)

A comeback album by a French (by way of French Guiana) singing star, who rightfully should be more famous in America. This dude is old as dirt being born in 1917 but he can sing some lovely tunes. Chambre Avec Vue was popular in France and I've yet to figure out why Americans can't embrace things as decent as this in the mainstream (I suppose there isn't room with John Cougar or whatever the fuck he calls himself these days). Monsieur Salvador is a true artist and possesses the sophistication that men like Brain Wilson, though great in his own way, lack. The album features several tracks that Salvador had a hand in writing himself, which unfortunately became rarer in his career leading up to this release. As this is not something tailor made to impress an American audience, the entirety is sung in French (when it was brought over it was by the respectable yet corporate owned, Blue Note Records). "Le Fou de la Reine" is sung in conjuction with the enchanting Françoise Hardy. The music accompaning the singer lives up to his epic presence as well. Overall, this is something you might consider giving to your mother or aunt (even if Ii've failed to get my grandma to take to it fully) and not be ashamed to enjoy yourself. That isn't everyday.

To be had here:
Henri Salvador - Chambre Avec Vue [128 kbps]

Xinlisupreme

Hailing from Kumamoto, Japan, Xinlisupreme is a provoking blend of noise rock with IDM electronics. In the course of an album the mood will shift immensely and as seemingly what genre it should be called does as well. From electro ditties to harsh noise screeching to drum and bass rumblings. The almost fully instrumental tracks (sometimes there are faint sounds somewhat like voices) are mesmerizing, especially if played loud enough to drown out anything else. Also of note is the band's willingness to share their music, the latest release to date is available for free download on their own website in mp3 form. Feel free to grab it from there if you'd like. I am also sharing two previous releases, the debut album and the very excellent Murder License EP. I'm keeping this post brief as I have to call windows and fight with them for a new activation key (I shouldn't need to steal what I own). Anyhow, enjoy this stuff, it is truly amazing.

To be had here:



Tomorrow Never Comes (2002) [224 VBR kbps]








Murder License (2002) [256 VBR kbps]







Neinfuturer (2005) [192 kbps]
also available on their site

Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't

If you haven't realized I've got an affinity for artists from the Elephant 6 collective. This enjoyment of their musical output lead to be gather most of the albums connected to the collective and I've already shared The Sunshine Fix, Beulah and A Hawk And A Hacksaw, and I'm rather sure it won't end with this post. Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't is a project of Peter Erchick, the once-upon-a-time keyboardist for Olivia Tremor Control. Thus much of what was said about The Sunshine Fix applies hereto. The project is one of the more obscure affiliated with E6, but is admirably produced nonetheless. Erchick's voice is as well suited to the psych-folk style of the music as any of the E6 songwriters. This is not to say he didn't get help, for he was aided in recording by other former Olivia Tremor Control members and Neutral Milk Hotel, including the mysteriously elusive Jeff Mangum. The first album was done under the Cloud Recordings label of John Fernandes and Will Cullen Hart formerly of OTC as well. Individualized Shirts has gems on it that stand out in my mind, namely "Ten Thousand Years Old" and "Karaoke Free" that features a lovely pig squeal intro. In what seems to be a strange happening for a second album, Special Fanfare For Anything was self-released. Despite this, the album is very pleasurable to listen to and compared to the first in the overall quality of the songs might outshine Individualized Shirts. I suspect this is at least in part to do the more liberal use of effects and experimentation with the instruments. Anyways, I'll try to post some not so Elephant 6 stuff soon, but I've just a short spurt of enthusiasm for the collective again.

To be had here:



Individualized Shirts (2001) [192 kbps]










Special Fanfare For Anything (2002) [128 kbps]

Astrud Gilberto & Walter Wanderley - A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness (1966)

Brazil is home to some wonderful music and perhaps the most famed is bossa nova. Astrud Gilberto was there for the height of the original craze for the genre, and in a spot to capitalize upon it because of her famously talented husband, João Gilberto. Once you hear her there can be little question as to why she was a vanguard of bossa nova. Her voice is sweet and sings in both English and Portuguese on this album. Perhaps what makes the album interesting in light of other bossa nova or even the French pop that was popular at the same time is the contributions of Walter Wanderley. As an organist, Wanderley is responsible for setting the musical mood, and it is a joyful one. The combination of the two artists' talents creates an epitome of what 60s pop should be in my opinion. Some of the songs might sound familiar to even those who haven't ever heard of Astrud Gilberto or listen to any Brazilian music, such as "Call Me" and "So Nice (Summer Samba)" as I swear I've heard them in movie soundtracks. Anyhow, this is a good album if you have an ear for easy-listening. I mean, damn it man, "Tristeza" is some fine music!

To be had here (might need slight tag fixes):
Astrud Gilberto & Walter Wanderley - A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness [192 kbps]

Half-Handed Cloud - Thy Is a Word & Feet Need Lamps (2005)

This is my favorite album by Half-Handed Cloud, for the songwriting is spectacular. The songs have something that is rather unique, their theme is Biblical and technically I think that makes Half-Handed Cloud a Christian band. However, the music is completely un-preachy and doesn't have that sickening praising-the-lord repetition that is contemporary Christian music. Jason Ringhofer is the man responsible for the "band" (normally just him with a ton of instruments and one other guy he managed to get to tour with him). As this is the case, Ringhofers previous work in Wookieback should be taken into account. Wookieback was more or less the same concept of short, focused pop ditties but the subject was sci-fi stories instead of Biblical ones. When thought of like this Half-Handed Cloud loses its distasteful Christian stigma and becomes more of a musical illustrations of some far-out tales (which the Bible is compared to modern life, and if it wasn't there wouldn't be a need for ministers to explain it). If you can think of it like this then listening to Thy Is a Word & Feet Need Lamps is an amazingly pioneering type of album, and is entirely inspired lyrically by the old testament (absolutely no Jesus references). Ringhofer's musical abilities have increased since Wookieback and even beginning this project, thus giving the album a more polished and composed feeling than previous works and in fact the songs are longer than the usual fare (over a minute, sometimes two). One thing I strongly encourage is to see him play live. I did once and he had no less than four instruments at his disposal at any given time and the man who toured with him the same. To see them successfully manage that much and make such beautiful pop songs was truly exciting. With any luck you can get to see him at a small venue (I saw him in a University of Michigan dormitory cafeteria), where you speak to him and buy some of his wares for he's a genuinely delightful fellow.

To be had here:
Half-Handed Cloud - Thy Is a Word & Feet Need Lamps [256 kbps]

The Sunshine Fix

Perhaps you recall the from the Greek legends the tale of the Lernaean Hydra. A beast that Heracles slew that had the neat trick of sprouting two head to replace any one the hero was able to chop off. Elephant 6 is a musical equivalent to the mythic hydra. Once upon a time a label of three acts, Apples in Stereo, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Olivia Tremor Control, the collective has since give away to an abundance of acts following its demise as an official label. The Sunshine Fix is one of those many new head to come into the spotlight after the disbanding of Olivia Tremor Control in 2000, which in reality was born from the remains of the earlier Synthetic Flying Machine. While Bill Doss had used the name The Sunshine Fix before OTC, the band didn't form as a working entity until afterward. As Elephant 6 is famous for the band makes quirky indie pop with psychedelic attributes. The first was 1993's originally self-released cassette A Spiraling World of Pop, later re-released on Elephant 6, done in an extremely lo-fi fashion with some lovely harmonic vocals that would remain throughout the later albums. In 2000 an EP with what might be my favorite Sunshine Fix songs was issued entitled The Future History of a Sunshine Fix. The long-titled and twangy "Last Night I Had a Dream (Said I Had a Dream Last Night)" is utterly astounding in my opinion, with the trippy "Beaconary Words ..." being noting to scoff at either. A year later a more polish and skillfully composed song can be found on the first true album, Age of the Sun. Most recently there was Green Imagination that doesn't stray too far from the formula the band has previously followed. Nevertheless it possesses a freshness thanks to Doss's talent in varying a common theme. Rumor has it that there's another album in the works, and according to Doss it'll have a change in mood towards the darker, or as he put it "more Leonard Cohen than John Lennon."

To be had here:



A Spiraling World of Pop (1993) [224 kbps]
complete with .png files of the booklet that was released with it






The Future History of A Sunshine Fix (2000) [192 kbps]










Age of the Sun (2001) [192 kbps]









Green Imagination (2004) [224 VBR kbps]

Death by Chocolate - Zap The World (2002)

As the friendly fella requested, I'm sharing the second album by Death by Chocolate. The album is very much like the first one, same twee and extremely thickly laid on British accent for the spoken word vocals. I mean there is not much to add to the review of the other. Basically, if you liked the self-titled you'll enjoy this, if you want something different or you didn't enjoy the previous you should avoid this puppy like it is poison ivy on your crotch. I feel some of the more pleasing tracks are those lacking any true vocals such as "El Graphic" and "Artplay" which I haven't a doubt would go well on a mix tape of indie pop ditties excellently. I do love the words they match to the alphabet in "A B & C Part Two." Pretty much this, as with the previous, is for somebody with a sense of humor, like of the 60s and can stand for outrageous amounts of cuteness.

To be had here:
Death by Chocolate - Zap The World [160 kbps]

Two Lone Swordsmen - From The Double Gone Chapel (2004)

Electronic music heavy hitters Andrew Weatherall and Keith Tenniswood teamed up after Weatherall's former project Sabres of Paradise came to its conclusion. These Brits are a marvelous combination of electro-techno and post-punk that feels completely soaked in Suicide's influence. From The Double Gone Chapel was made after four years without any new material releases, and it represents a shift in the two artists' ideas for the band. There is a much more heavy reliance upon guitars than previously heard. This is the case for several songs, but achieves remarkable outcomes in some like "The Lurch" that literally feels like it is crawling on your back. A treasure to be found therein is the most wonderful cover of "Sex Beat," originally by Gun Club. The latter section of the album, basically from "The Valve" onwards feels more electronic than the post-punk laden beginning. I don't think this hurts the album, but gives the musicians the ability to show off their skills in both areas whilst not disrupting the flow. I'm not sure who the lady is that sings on the track "Taste Of Our Flames" but she's fantastic. While not be an Earth-shattering experience, I do feel this is a praiseworthy album.

To be had here (160 kbps):
Two Lone Swordsmen - Form The Double Gone Chapel

Pivot - Make Me Love You (2005)

How about them apples, folks. One hundredth post already and it hardly seems like we've gotten the ball rolling. Business first, I've read the request and I will try to meet them in a timely matter. This is for the other Death by Chocolate album, a re-upload of Stimmung, and the like. I don't have the other album by The Seconds yet I'm working on finding it. In other news, danger dog and I have been trying to recruit our online friends to author us some posts and share what they feel are some great album to sweeten the pot. Thus far none of followed through, but why stop trying now? As for the most recent lull, my PC is still broken despite the attempts to get it repaired and as I store my music on an external drive and have no real home it isn't easy to upload anything. Plus, I've been teaching myself how to make my own mead; a most glorious use of time in my opinion.

I thought about making this 100th post a biggie with a lot of shit on it, but I got frustrated at my really slow intertubing speeds, so you're getting what I felt was enough. However, do not despair for I do believe this is a most admirable album that fortunately for me was listened to enjoyed, forgotten about and then re-discovered. Make Me Love You is laudable debut album by Pivot, an Australian band that wavers on the boundary of post-rock and IDM. Completely without vocals, and they're not missed for a moment amongst the stunningly done instrumental sounds. Personally I feel the weakest part of this album is that it goes by far too quickly leaving me to either repeat it or search desperately for something similar. It might be the name the does it or perhaps the that it is the lengthiest, but I adore the track "Pivot Voltron" (who doesn't like Voltron?). The guitars seem almost funky when laid over the chimes and steady drums. I sincerely hope you care to hear this album as much as I do and please keep making requests, we're trying to fulfil them.

To be had here (192 kbps):
Pivot - Make Me Love You

7 Year Rabbit Cycle

7 Year Rabbit Cycle are a refreshing mix of folk, noise, and a genuinely catchy sound. Personally, out of the three albums posted for you, my favorite is 2003's Animal People. Track two, catchy stuff.

7 Year Rabbit Cycle is Guitarist Rob Fisk, one of the founding members of noise-rock legends Deerhoof, who not only helped write all of that band's material for a little more than half a decade, but created the artwork and identity. Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance), Vocalist Kelly Goode (also a member of Deerhoof), percussionist Ches Smith has performed with a great list of legends including John Zorn, Tom Waits, Fred Frith, Nels Cline, Wadada Leo Smith, and Mr. Bungle. Supergroup? Yes.


7 Year Rabbit Cycle - Animal People (2003)
7 Year Rabbit Cycle - Ache Horns (2006)
7 Year Rabbit Cycle - Wind Machines (2007)

Dead Machines - Futures (2005)

Dead Machines have a very artsy feel to the harsh noise they are responsible for making. I suppose this is to be expected when the membership is examined. Funny the things you'll learn when you do this; in particular that Dead Machines is based out of Ypsilanti, MI. The two halves of pair are both notable for the endeavors into independent music in the past John Olson with the harsh noise giants Wolf Eyes and Tovah O'Rourke worked with eccentric group Wooden Wand & the Vanishing Voice. In addition, they're married to one another, which is just cute. The album has the trappings of a Wolf Eyes style art-noise release; including the lack of titles for any of the tracks. The five tracks explore some highly mechanical and ghastly sounds and weave them together to make what feels to me like a howling mechanized ghost. Thus living up to there name adequately. In summation, this a a very interesting and provoking collection of avant-garde noise that I highly suggest to anyone inclined to such a fancy.

To be had here (224 VBR kbps):
Dead Machines - Futures

They Mean Us - Friendship Lottery (2007)

According to my take on this blaggering I've been light on the post-rock as of late, and that is no way to be. They Mean Us will hopefully be an adequate way to remedy this situation. They received some rather decently large intertubes press with their short album Friendship Lottery, and normally I don't bother to share what is already out there alot, but I felt like testing the water today. What I can't seem to figure out is if it is just by chance that their name also happens to be the title of the album by The Ladies (Zach Hill of Hella and Rob Crow of Pinback, great shit). Whatever the case may be, They Mean Us is different from The Ladies more or less noise rock sound. Friendship Lottery is an exciting post-rock album. Not so much of the ambient, atmospheric kind as the experimental and loud type. The band reminds me of a Tera Melos that doesn't sing or a less heavy Turing Machine, to reference bands I've previously posted. There are six members to the group, making it so instrumentation is never lacking. The entirity is filled with astounding drumming and guitar playing, and I love the addition of string sounds that just amplify the feeling of the songs. Fuck people, just trust me that this is some damned fine post-rock-ish music.

To be had here (224 VBR kbps):
They Mean Us - Friendship Lottery

Dungen

Damn, I've noticed I uploaded these bands I've liked for a while because I'm really damned lazy as of late. Blasted job is to blame, but who really cares about that jazz. Dungen is some special indeed. Hailing from that lovely music-filled nation of Sweden, Dungen is mainly the creative genius of Gustav Ejstes (fantastic name). The band's name means "the groove" and is said "doong-un" so don't make a fool of yourself by sounding it out. Ejstes is a student of classical music, and has done soundtrack music for the Swedish version of Disney's Jungle Book (not the coolest move, but he said he's gotta eat). Focusing more on the band, the music is nearly entirely played by Ejstes on the albums, however there's a touring version on the band. Albeit they failed to make a supporting tour for the 2007 album. The discography is kinda confusing because the first three releases aren't really three because songs are re-used and I think one is just a vinyl version or something. Nonetheless, there are at least three unique albums. I'm sharing these beauties today and boy howdy are they fine. Stadsvandringar is the first of these; the first track sharing the album's title and perhaps the most stunning of the songs thereupon. The style of Dungen's play is most definitely in the realm of psychedelic yet it is unique in amongst newer psychedelia that's reached popularity that it is able to get heavy without seeming like metal at all and it is sung fully in Swedish. There are clear signs of Ejstes musical education in the way he pulls from classical and folk to make his rock more interesting. The next album is Ta Det Lugnt; translating as "take an easy." The album outshines the previous efforts and had a large splash in the media. Basically, the tracks kick ass, especially "Panda" and the whole thing is certainly worthy of the praise. When released in 2005 it had the Tyst Minut EP added to it (this is the version I'm sharing). Lastly, there is the 2007 album, Tio Bitar, which continues along the vein of the prior released albums but doesn't falter from the all too common problem of trying to recapture what made the last one great. I believe this is largely do to Ejstes talent as a songwriter and musician. Basically, I'm a big fan. There's supposed to be a new album this year, sometime this fall, entitled 4 that I'm hopeful about.

To be had here (192 kbps):




Stadsvandringar (2002)










Ta Det Lugnt (2005) additonal tracks at 160 kbps










Tio Bitar (2007)

Thunderbids Are Now! - Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief (2002)

Thunderbirds Are Now! were one of those bands that were good for what they were, but the powers that be at pitchfork made them into a mild summer craze by touting them to high heaven in advance of one of the festivals they hold in Chicago. In full disclosure, I've been to two pitchfork festivals, neither did I plan on, both times a Canadian provided my ticket. I am mixed on my overall opinion of pitchfork, yet anything close to NME boy-who-cried-wolf shit isn't very tasteful. Why therefore am I posted Thunberbirds Are Now!? Because sometimes I actually like Detroit and what the people here can do. Moreover, the group's second album and to a lesser extend the later releases got the fame. I'm giving you the first, which even the band itself seems to have qualms with (they think it was a sucky first album to be frank). Despite the naysayers, I find it really entertaining. Not very elegantly thought out, the album makes up for that with charming noise-craft (that is my new word). The title of the album is great, and all the song names continue the witty trend. However, if you're looking for mind-blowing or award-worthy, this shit isn't it. I do think it is an underrated and very valiant effort.

To be had here:
Thunderbids Are Now! - Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief

Françoise Hardy - The "Yeh-Yeh" Girl from Paris (1965)

As a preface, I'm unclear as to the status of Françoise Hardy's fame amongst groups of young music fans in other areas, but thus far yé-yé girls have been accepted wholeheartedly by all those I broach the topic with. Perhaps I spend much of my time with film lovers, art students and indie kids, but it seems contradictory see the avid affection for yé-yé girls. I won't claim I am above it either, as I absolutely adore Françoise Hardy and the others. They were the anti-thesis to modern independent art, they were funded by large companies, the films were hugely hyped, the girls were required to as pretty as their voices and some didn't even write some of their most famous songs (others like Jacqueline Taïeb penned hit songs). Nevertheless, they seemed against all reason to be uncorrupted and sweet. One thing they didn't lack at all was talent. Both visually and vocally exceedingly captivating the yé-yé are definitely one of the strongest links between francophone and anglophone cultures in the 20th century; helping to forge the cultural phenomenon that is the pop star.

All that aside, I am a big fan of The "Yeh-Yeh" Girl from Paris. The title has what is apparently an Anglicization of yé-yé, which means young, innocent and cute according the tubes here. For the most part, Hardy wrote her own lyrics on the album, which properly are entirely in French. The songs are all memorable, yet certain ones are more famous. The first track, "Tous Les Garçons et Les Filles," is the one my mind most readily identifies with the album. However, "Ça a Raté" and "Oh, Oh, Chéri" are without doubt the most excellent songs. I've a special spot for "J'ai Jeté Mon Coeur" as it was the first title of a French song I encountered and understood after French classes and an amazing song. Basically, I am saying to any who might've missed the French pop joy earlier that this is a great introduction. Please to get it and embrace it fully if you haven't heard it as of yet.

To be had here (192 kbps):
Françoise Hardy - The "Yeh-Yeh" Girl from Paris

E*vax - Parking Lot Music (2001)

With the recent release of Ratatat's third album I've has a renewed interested in the band and things related. E*vax most absolutely is related, insomuch that it is the moniker under which Ratatat's Evan Mast made music before the bands creation. As to be expected, the album is electronic and without vocals like the sucessor project, but the music is considerablely more mellow than even the most chilled moments of Ratatat's discography. Thus, the name Parking Lot Music is not misleading whatsoever. In fact, it is pretty music great to listen when clamly doing anything alone, or with someone looking to be as clam as you. Naturally, in something that is designed to be soothing, there aren't really any standout tracks, but merely well-composed albums like this. Logically, the album is on the Audio Dregs label, which is run by Mr Mast and his brother. His brother makes music under the matching name, E*rock. This name will be familiar to listeners of remixes, but orginals by E*rock are something I've yet to find. In summation, if you're seeking out tranquil electronic music and/or are interested in Ratatat is is certainly a good thing to get this.

To be had here (128 kbps):
E*vax - Parking Lot Music

Quasi - Featuring "Birds" (1998)

First, a note on the failure to have frequent posts, My PC is down, the bitch completely shat out on me... again. Thus getting to my music at all is a much longer process and uploading is something I seldom have time for without my desktop computer. Danger Dog's seasonal forlorn has come to its end but thus far he hasn't posted, we'll see what happens with that. I had a few album uploaded that I was debating post and I guess since it'll be difficult to upload anything else I shall share them. Maybe I can get it fixed this week; perhaps the post will flow more freely on the river of information this internet be.

Now, the reviewing of things. Quasi is a band that has a strange background, but makes exceedingly prime indie pop ditties. The duo is a couple that was formerly married, and both known for their involvement in other acts. Sam Coomes, the half of the band, was an associate of the late Elliot Smith in his band called Heatmiser. Janet Weiss is known just as much for her drumming in Sleater-Kinney, which is joined after Quasi's formation and, following Sleater-Kinney was disvolved, her much publicized joining of Stephen Malkmus's Jicks. The two worked together in the band Motorgoat before Quasi, and of course were married and divorced to one another. Quasi's music is really like any of those bands in particular though, the musci they played for fully indie pop, with keyboards and drums making a huge part of the instrumentation. Both Coomes and Weiss sing, sometimes together other times solo. Overall, Freaturing "Birds" is a witty and very artfully crafted collection of pop songs. They can be noise-like or sweet-sounding, but never uninteresting.

To be had here (160 kbps):
Quasi - Featuring "Birds"