Inspiration and Tron
December 21, 2010 – 10:33 am
I just saw Tron Legacy last night, and it left me thoroughly impressed. Like the original Tron, the strength of the movie does not lie in the plot, but rather in the stunning visuals. That’s not to say the plot is weak. I felt this movie was much more fluid and watchable than the original. If the trailer interests you at all, then I would definitely say go see it.
The other aspect of the movie that really adds the extra needed element is the soundtrack. I’d been looking forward to hearing what Daft Punk would put together for this since the first time I heard they were working on this project. I downloaded the soundtrack a couple weeks ago, and so far I have been enjoying it a lot. It seems nearly close to perfect for the type of movie it was made for. On its own, I wouldn’t say it will necessarily be something you put on and listen to 5 years from now, but just the same, it does have its own charm. I think most of that charm comes from the heavy influence of early synth (70s-80s) music. I have always had a love for analog synth (probably because I grew up hearing it), specifically because of the distinct atmosphere it can create. When I listen to this stuff I immediately think of 1980’s Epcot, and some of its (at the time) futuristic rides rides. Specifically Horizons, World Of Motion, and Spaceship Earth. The other thing I think of is European Moog/ambient music, most of which has been pretty much forgotten outside of Kraftwerk. There’s no doubt that Daft Punk has been heavily influenced by this era of music, and it shows especially on this soundtrack.
If you like this kind of music, and want to hear some of the original sources, but don’t know where to start, below are a few artists that may get you rolling in the right direction.
Horizons (EPCOT) – Omnimax Theater Loop
Top 15 Albums of 2010
December 11, 2010 – 12:10 amAhh…2010. Finally, a year of respectable music. It refreshing to finally have some albums that are listenable from start to finish….
1. The Walkmen – Lisbon
This is one of those albums that the first time I heard it, I found absolutely nothing remarkable about it. In fact, I think I went a month before listening to it again. Then I gave it a few more plays, and it just grew on me. The thing you will notice as you listen to this is its understatement and minimalism. Every flourish is strategically placed, whether it’s a soft horn section, or light percussion. “You and Me” was a phenomenal album, but I think this album has surpassed that. The two are really quite similar, so if you like this one at all, that should be the immediate next one you go to. Their earlier work is much louder and brasher.
2. Wolf Parade – Expo 86
This album is equally as good as the Walkmen’s, and horribly underrated. Once you get passed the delivery, there are some fantastic pop songs buried in this, along with some of the best lyrics I have heard written for an album (see “Little Golden Age” or “Yulia”). Some songs have multiple songs contained within them. I’m kind of disappointed that this band has decided to throw in the towel for awhile.
3. Sambassadeur – European
If you have never checked out Labrador Records, “Sweden’s and the world’s finest purveyor of pop music,” you really should. They have so many great artists in their catalog. Probably the most well known is the Radio Dept, which had a so-so album released this year. In my opinion the best thing to come out of their label was this album from Sambassadeur. Accessible, straightforward and to the point; this album is solid all the way through.
4. Club 8 – The People’s Record
My other favorite release from Labrador. This one is sunny, and has a tropical vibe to it. It’s a bit more upbeat than their previous work, but I think that’s a good thing. Sometimes there is a bit too much going on, but it all seems to work out in the end.
5. Charlotte Gainsbourg – IRM
Daughter of the french musician Serge, Charlotte does an interesting job of carrying on a lot of the sounds her father created, especially his work with Jean-Claude Vannier, although her sound remains distinct. I like this album for its variety and lush orchestrations. Her vocals are pretty dead pan and a healthy dose of whispers, but then again, that was what her father did…
6. Autolux – Transit Transit
Finally, after a 6 year wait, Autolux finally got their album out. It seems they’ve turned the guitar down a bit with their newer sound, and focused more on creating texture. I’m not entirely sure if it was worth waiting 6 years for, but it’s still impressive.
7. UNKLE – Where Did The Night Fall
This is probably Lavelle’s best work since “Psyence Fiction,” and I think finally shows that he does not need DJ Shadow to make a quality album.
8. Robyn – Body Talk
I’ve never been into Robyn, but I decided to give this a go based on the rave reviews she’s been getting lately. It seems they are mostly justified.
9. Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
More of the same lush and overwhelming sounds from the behemoth band known as Broken Social Scene, but that’s a good thing.
10. Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest
Not quite as good as Microcastle, but still a quirky and listenable record.
11. Goldfrapp – Head First
Goldfrapp always seems to manage to put out quality. This album is no exception, being a great listen all the way through, however, it seemed a bit too “safe.” It’s better than Supernature though.
12. School of Seven Bells – Disconnect from Desire
They’ve managed to refine their sound with this more accessible album. I still don’t think they’ve reached their full capability as a band, so I will be curious to see how they operate with 2/3 of their original lineup going forward.
13. Kurt Wagoner & Courtney Tidwell – Invariable Heartache
This album consists of covers from the come and gone Nashville label “Chart Records.” I was never aware of any of these songs prior to hearing this album, and these two Nashvillians have done a great job putting together a country album that doesn’t sound like a typical country album.
14. The National – High Violet
I am slowly coming around to The National. I’ve been turned off to them in the past mostly because I find their music a little too “the modern age has doomed us,” but after seeing them live, I definitely appreciate them more than I had.
15. Hurts – Happiness
I really don’t know what to think of this duo. They are so over the top in terms of emotional delivery. They kind of remind me of an updated version of Tears for Fears meets Jon Secada. As weird as that sounds, this album somehow manages to work, and is highly enjoyable once you get past the cheesiness.
Favorite EPs:
White Sea – This Frontier
You might like this if you like Bjork and Imogen Heap, but with more soothing than weird vocals. If she sounds familiar, that’s because she sang on the last M83 album.
Snowden – Slow Soft Syrup
These guys have really slowed things down again into borderline shoegaze sound. Really interested to see what their next album sounds like. This one is free, and can be downloaded here.
Best Shows of 2010
December 8, 2010 – 10:47 am1. Wolf Parade @ Exit In – 11/22/10
2. The National @ Ryman Auditorium – 10/3/10
3. Deerhunter @ Exit In – 11/10/10
Top 25 Singles of 2010
December 3, 2010 – 5:25 pm
I have to say after several years of ho-hum music, 2010 delivered some of the most solid music I have heard in awhile. My interest in pop music continues to wane however, and I find myself listening to a few choice albums consistently, rather than venturing out and spending a bunch of time looking up things in obscurity. That is just as well I suppose. I find myself spending more time reading these days, which is a bit more profitable in the grander scheme of things.
With that said, here are some of the standout tracks that I took a particular interest in. (These types of things are always so subjective.) Looking over this list, I will acknowledge up front that a good chunk of these songs are not “happy songs,” but there are a few exceptions. Either way, consider yourself warned.
1. Wolf Parade – Little Golden Age
“The body takes the heart from place to place.
But this place still stands, this place remains unchanged
And you can’t go back, Oh, who would want to anyway”
2. The Walkmen – Blue As Your Blood
“Life rolled us over like a town car
Bruised up and busted to the ground
The Lord came down and said to me
Throw off your worries and be at peace ”
3. Club 8 – Back To The A
Labrador Records really had a stellar year.
4. Hurts – Stay
This song (and this duo) is so over the top & ridiculous. It just is. But somehow it works. I am not sure why.
5. The National – Bloodbuzz Ohio
“I was carried to Ohio in a swarm of bees”
6. Sambassadeur – Albatross
7. School of Seven Bells – ILU
8. Broken Social Scene – Sweetest Kill
9. Gorillaz – On Melancholy Hill
10. Spoon – Got Nuffin
11. Robyn – Indestructible
12. Deerhunter – Revival
13. Autolux – The Science of Imaginary Solutions
14. Delays – In Brilliant Sunshine
15. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Long Way Down
16. Snowden – So Red
17. The Love Language – Wilmont
18. Blur – Fool’s Day
19. Kurt Wagoner & Courtney Tidwell – Picking Wild Mountain Berries
20. Goldfrapp – Dreaming
21. Ray LaMontagne – Like Rock & Roll and Radio
22. UNKLE – Another Night Out
23. Arcade Fire – Sprawl II
24. Bad Books – Baby Shoes
25. The Rentals – Late Night Confessions
In Review: Wolf Parade @ Exit In – 11/22/10
December 1, 2010 – 3:57 pmApparently Wolf Parade is now on an indefinite hiatus, and that makes me all the more happy I was able to witness this show. I have definitely tapered off in terms of the amount of shows I attend, but I have seen a lot, and this one was up there. I’d say definitely in the top 5.
I arrived just as they were getting into their set, and caught all but their first two songs. The band really has the perfect sound for a live setting, falling somewhere in the realm of layered punk, indie and synth. From the moment I walked in I enjoyed every second of it. Most bands I see just go out on stage and do their best to mimic what they have on a record. Wolf Parade was different. They played like this was the last time they were ever going to play these songs, and with an intensity I have rarely seen matched, Krug particularily. It really was one of those “you had to be there” kind of evenings. Even the band commented on Nashville being the best crowd of their tour, and I’m pretty sure they actually meant it. I would absolutely see them again.
Setlist:
You Are A Runner and I Am My Father’s Son
Language City
What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had to Go This Way)
Ghost Pressure
Cave-o-sapien
Fine Young Cannibals
Oh You, Old Thing
Palm Road
I’ll Believe in Anything
This Heart’s On Fire
California Dreamer
Encore:
Cloud Shadow on the Mountain
Shine a Light
Kissing the Beehive
In Review: Deerhunter @ Exit In – 11/10/10
November 21, 2010 – 10:24 pmI didn’t really catch on to Deerhunter until mid-2010, and that was through Cox’s side project, Atlas Sound. I think the first time or two I heard them, they just didn’t do anything for me. Then I started listening closer. Despite some odd harmonies, there is some incredible depth to how this band writes it’s tunes, and I especially appreciate how some of the older 60s-80s influences trickle into their songs. Their music does have a nostalgic feel to it, but it’s so subtle that you don’t notice it unless you pay attention. This was their last show of the tour, but they gave a very energetic performance. They kept the chatter to a minimum, stuck to just getting the tunes out there and occassionally diverged into little jams here and there. The show was a bit louder than I expected, and emphasized the guitar sound much moreso than on their albums. The setlist was also solid, having a great selection of songs from their albums, and I’m glad I got to hear all the songs I wanted to. Specifically “Agorophobia”, “Revival” and “Nothing Ever Happened.” I did enjoy them, but I think my expectations might have been too high. I might consider seeing them again. If you’re into hearing new sounds, I’d recommend checking them out.
In Review: Sarah McLachlan @ Ryman Auditorium – 11/08/10
November 21, 2010 – 10:22 pmI’ll admit, I did feel slightly uncomfortable at this show, mostly because of the unusual audience, which consisted of mostly 30-something women. I’ve always been a fan of SM’s voice, so I was really just curious as to how it would carry over in a live setting. She sounded great, don’t get me wrong, but the issue I had was that she’s “pop-ified” all her songs, so that when she’s up there it almost sounds like a cover band is playing her songs or something. I realize that this is to keep the momentum of the show up, but it just wasn’t working for me. Of course “Possession” sounded fantastic, since it’s one of those songs that will probably always sound great, no matter how it’s played, but I will say I only really cared for her older material, and the slower songs she played that actually showcased her voice. The rest of the songs just seemed to cover it up.