Author Archives: Akhil

Song of the Day – 7/30/08

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Last week I posted about a tour by two fantastic folk singers by the names of Vikesh Kapoor and Nicholas Beaven. I got my hands on their EP’s and this week I will feature them both.

Nicholas Beaven’s five-song Four Track EP is surely a work of art in both content and presentation. The sleeve of the disc was pressed with a hand-carved stamp that he made and a note inside is written intimately for the the listener. The sounds don’t disappoint either.

Reminiscent just as much of Nick Drake and Elliott Smith as the classic folk poets, Beaven’s songs have that eerie bit of honesty about them. The analog warmth of the recordings give his already intriguing progressions and patterns the texture they deserve. His voice could be one of the warmest you’ve heard and the motion of the songs play along perfectly. The songs on the album vary in their power, but just for the sake of its shining moments should you give them your time. Even moreso than his skill on the guitar and his unique approach to songwriting is his ability to invite you to see his person. To bear what may be more suitable for a private journal in such an open spirit is a quality that resides few and far between in music today.

A multi-talented artist from the great city of Chicago, Nicholas Beaven’s “Lady I’ve Yet To Meet”  is your song of the day. Make it speak to you.

MP3: Nicholas Beaven – “Lady I’ve Yet To Meet”

MP3: Nicholas Beaven – “Midnight Moon”

Home | MySpace

Go See A Folk Show.

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The other night I had the brilliant chance to catch a folk show at a good friend’s apartment. Seated cross-legged on the floor I was witness to a spectacle that shone with a respect to new art as well as a time honored tradition.

I met Vikesh Kapoor through a friend and am truly proud to bring his music to IndieMuse. He and his good friend Nicholas Beaven are ridiculously talented musicians and songwriters as well as honest members of the folk institution [sic].

From their press release:

Kapoor’s lyrics draw from the poetry of Whitman and from the melodic intonations of Woody Guthrie. He is a true wordsmith. Kapoor creates story-songs that while new, seem to have originated from archetypal American tales. And, like any classic tale revisited, his quirks (his vocal vulnerabilities and off–beat humor) cement his appeal.

MP3: Vikesh Kapoor – “Down By The River”

Beaven too can turn a skeptic into a true believer with his clear, almost haunting voice and fanciful guitar melodies. He sings of heartache and jubilation with constant references to nature, which is a prevalent motif throughout his work. Beaven’s lyrics are simple in format (in the style of Neil Young), but he has a knack for saying a lot by not being bogged down by complexities.

MP3: Nicholas Beaven – “Midnight Moon”

I was delighted to find that these guys would be going on a small tour through the northeast. If you guys have a chance and are willing to take our word, go see them. You won’t regret it.

I should be getting their EP’s in the mail soon and will have a review fer y’all soon.

Vikesh Kapoor | Nicholas Beaven

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Songs of the Day

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Friday always reminds me to live in the moment, today I bring you a small mix of songs that I am listening to right now. Now, I’m not going to tell you that  these bands are gonna blow up. I won’t say that they are the next big thing. But in this moment, it’s all the music I need. There is no particular structure or mood, but hopefully one of these songs makes it onto your soundtrack. These songs are all fantastic in their own way.

MP3: The Do – “Stay (Just A Little Bit More)”

This song does not leave once it’s in my head. Give it a listen. If her voice doesn’t turn you into a pile of mushy smiles… well, I just don’t know about you. The Do hail from Helsinki, Finland. Their latest album, A Mouthful, is out now.

MP3: The Dodos – “Undeclared”

Okay, I’ll admit, The Dodos come almost directly after The Do in my iTunes library, but that does not detract from the fact that this song is a wonderful stripped pop song.

MP3: Al Green – “Just For Me”

This ?uestlove produced album dropped about a month ago. When I first heard it I thought it came out thirty years ago. If anything, the mood and atmosphere created on this album hearkens to a greater movement to music that is just a little more pure than the rest. Buy this album. Enjoy it. Make love to it. You won’t regret it.

MP3: Nomo – “My Dear”

Oh my god. Nomo is so sick. Honestly. We caught em at Bonnaroo on the first night in some beer tent and they were unbelievable. The lights weren’t working so they played in the dark for a while. They didn’t fuck up, just so you know. They played at the Middle East in Boston last night and from what I hear (Doty was there), they killed it. Their afrobeat explosion, Ghost Rock, is ready to be bought right now.

MP3: Ratatat – “Mumtaz Khan”

If any Ratatat song was ever your anthem you are not alone. This track, off their newest LP, is for the rest of you. LP3 dropped 3 days ago. Ratatat is cooler than you, and they never said a word.

MP3: The Acorn – “Low Gravity”

I really enjoy this band… if you didn’t know. Saw em a few weeks back at a small venue in Boston and will continue to support them for as long as possible. They are some of the most honest entertainers I’ve seen. Their music brings me a lot of joy.

MP3: The Peasantry – “Tie Off Before You Go Out”

MP3: The Peasantry – “The Ballad of Dean Jiggo”

The late greats, The Peasantry, were a fantastic band killed by circumstances. I caught their last show two weeks ago and it was unbelievable. I will miss them dearly and follow their individual work because frankly, I know it will be fucking awesome.

MP3: Towa Tei – “Last Century Modern”

I’ve been getting back into Towa Tei again. Listening to his 1999 release, Last Century Modern is a true testament to his status as a pioneer DJ. Releasing LCM just after his breakthrough, Sound Museum made us understand just how smart he really is.

MP3: Estelle feat. Kanye West – “American Boy (Kill the Noise Remix)”

I was going to post the version with Busta instead of Kanye (who is a bitch, btw) but I just couldn’t find it. I still think he’s clown shoes, but this song is hot.

I hope y’all have a great weekend. Enjoy the summer. Go outside.

Song of the Day – 5/30/08

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Well, it’s been a ridiculous month for all of us here. I’ve been getting done with school, making that annual trip home to Wisconsin and putting together a new band for the summer. Most of all, though, I’ve been hearing totally great music. My apologies for not letting you in on my level sooner, but here we go.

Sign this band:

Just a block from my house, Great Scott is a fantastic bar for hearing new indie music in a comfortable atmosphere.  I have no qualms about running down the street on a dull night and checking out what may be my new favorite bands. That’s  just what happened with Boston’s own You Can Be A Wesley. I knew a few of these kids from classes and around campus, but had no idea that they were as original, creative and tight as found. Song after song (even a Cardigan’s cover) I was enthralled–not only by the music but the uncontrollable energy: happiness, eminating from the stage.

I managed to lock down one of their brilliant ep’s, Feed The Moon, Starve The Sun. Recorded sometime in 2007, the EP displays the usual characteristics. It is smooth, interesting and most of all, they’ve continued to improve in a serious way. Their live show surpasses their formidable ep in every way. While Feed the Moon, Starve the Sun definitely kicks a lot of ass, I can’t wait to hear its live interpretation.

As a band, the group is superbly understanding of what roles each member plays. A large part of truly original music is the understanding of placement. The bass and drumming are efficient and purposeful. On lead guitar, Winston MacDonald has foresight, to say the least. Using the right notes, and only the right notes, the solos and fills come out in triumphant fashion giving the impression that these kids in their early twenties are much much more mature. Saara, a wonderful presence, fulfills her duties as a lead singer and guitarist with admirable intensity. Her voice has a beautiful, piercing quality that can only be described as “addictive.”

They can remind me of BSS, Built to Spill and any number of bands while still maintaining their own energy. The most important thing to remember with a group like this is how young they are. In such a short time they’ve developed an organization and ambition that will continue to bear fantastic results. When I say “Sign This Band.” it’s because they’re just waiting to be found.

MP3: You Can Be A Wesley – “Feed the Moon, Starve the Sun”

MP3: You Can Be A Wesley – “Balloon Head”

MP3: You Can Be A Wesley – “Summerhomes”

Support You Can Be a Wesley: Home | MySpace

Wesley is going to be touring the east coast in August, so if you can, check em out!

Song of the Day – 4/13/07 : New My Morning Jacket!

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Easily, one of my favorite acts out today is My Morning Jacket. The release of Z solidified their status as a group of intelligent, creative and talented musicians who could share a stage with the best. Their double-disc live album/DVD, Okonokos, was even more proof that My Morning Jacket is a group of lasting appeal. Their shows have consistently stood out in my mind as some of the most intense and high-energy concerts out there. Jim James is an immensely powerful lead singer who only seems to get better. Although reviews of the new album are somewhat mixed, I could not be more excited. Today’s song put me in a great mood as it is one of the first pieces I’ve heard off the new album. I love the direction they’re taking this. This 8 minute 12 second track entitled “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2” is a pretty good indicator of things to come, in my opinion. Tell me what you think…

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2” from Evil Urges

Home | MySpace | Hype Machine | ATO Records

Evil Urges drops on June 10th. Preorder: Amazon

And for those of you who just can’t get enough MMJ, here’s a bunch of live versions of new songs they did in Austin on March 13th.

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “Evil Urges (Live)”

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “Highly Suspicious (Live)”

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “I’m Amazed (Live)”

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “Thank You Too (Live)”

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “Sec Walkin (Live)”

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “Aluminum Park (Live)”

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “Smokin’ From Shooting (Live)”

MP3: My Morning Jacket – “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2 (Live)”

Download the Full Show here (high quality): Sendspace [Courtesy of Deaf Indie Elephants]

Oh, you want more? As you might know by now, Jim James is also a talented solo performer. Just two day’s after that MMJ show in Austin, Jim James played at St. David’s Church nearby with none other than M. Ward–even playing about 6 songs together. It’s a fantastic show where the listener gets to see yet another side of the multifaceted artist.

Check out these live solo tracks from Evil Urges or jump over to Archive.org to get the full show experience.

MP3: Jim James – “Sec Walkin’ (Live)”

MP3: Jim James – “Librarian (Live)”

MP3: Jim James – “Smokin From Shootin (Live)

MP3: Jim James – “Thank You Too (Live)”

The show is intimate and very honest. It’s a great listen, especially the duet on

MP3: M. Ward feat. Jim James – “Chinese Translation”

I love My Morning Jacket. I’ll be checking out their always-legendary Bonnaroo set this year, but the boys will be playing a few other shows if you can’t make that one:

03-10 Houston, TX – Verizon Wireless Theatre w/ Yo La Tengo

03-13 Austin, TX – Austin Music Hall (SXSW) w/ Yo La Tengo

03-15 Austin, TX – St. David’s Church (Jim James solo) (SXSW)

04-27 Indio, CA – Coachella

06-12-15 Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo

06-20 New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall (“An Evening With My Morning Jacket”)

Song of the Day – 4/4/08

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Quick one here.

 

The Flaming Lips are one of my favorite bands of all time. Last year’s Bonnaroo beheld one of the greatest concerts of my young life. The Flaming Lips and their philosophy have changed my life forever, undoubtedly.

I forgot to track down their song from the Good Luck Chuck soundtrack, so now that I have it, I gotta share it, right? The song, like so many of the Lips’ work is a triumphant and joyous piece about “the fucked-up days.” Do I really need to get pretentious on this one? Absolutely not. I love you all.

MP3: The Flaming Lips – “I Was Zapped By The Lucky Super Rainbow”

Check out the Good Luck Chuck OST, it’s pretty good:

Amazon | iTunes

In other Flaming Lips news, Christmas on Mars is finally finished! It’s premiering at Bonnaroo and Sasquatch, so if you have the time and the existential willpower, go and experience it in the context of another world. Hope to see you there! Here are some tracks from the movie, I hope you’re “surprised.”

MP3: The Flaming Lips – “Galactic Melancholy” from Christmas on Mars

MP3: The Flaming Lips – “Syritis Major” from Christmas on Mars

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub-5zlJPnjM[/youtube]

and here’s one of my favorites just because:

MP3: The Flaming Lips – “Enthusiasm for Life Defeats Existential Fear”

For now, all is right with the world.

New The Acorn Video is AMAZING

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(Song [AND VIDEO] of the Day – 4/3/08)

Well, the saucy fuckshow that is Pitchfork Media did something nice for me yesterday. While I almost never agree with their record reviews, their news section is a great way to get into the more “industry side” of indie music. Sometimes they even share something of great merit and talent. The Acorn is such a creation.

I heard The Acorn in 2006. Their song “Dents” was just one of those inspired and honest tracks that drew me in. I really didn’t expect their next work to be a mammoth concept project.

If you know me, you know I drool over nasty motion graphics. An aspiring post-production artist, I always love to see someone work hard to make visually stunning companions to great music. It’s obvious a talented and energetic team really exerted themselves here. From what I hear they have done videos for Broken Social Scene and Modest Mouse… so there’s your cred right there.

Here’s “Dents” as well as some MP3’s from their latest album (Glory Hope Mountain). Throw those on your ipod for now. First, watch the video for “The Flood, Pt. 1”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2XREBNiDZE[/youtube]

MP3: The Acorn – “The Flood Pt. 1”
MP3: The Acorn – “Crooked Legs”
MP3: The Acorn – “Dents”

Home | Paper Bag Records | MySpace | Hype Machine

Support The Acorn: Paper Bag Records | iTunes | Amazon | eMusic | Insound

THE ACORN IS TOURING: hit the jump for dates and venues…

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Song of the Day – 4/2/08

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This here is a one-man outfit. For me, making songs is like building houses. And I’m not very good with a hammer, and you might be able to tell if you’re a carpenter, but I’ll be goddamned if you can’t live in it when it’s done.

I’d like to begin by saying Black Bear is one of the most original and intellectual acts I’ve encountered in a long while. Like any other great album I’ve ever heard, this one slid almost divinely into my hands. I was immediately drawn into its electronic nature, irregular song structures and the use of an awesomely heavy and hollow bass drum, but I was hooked by the brilliant use of imagery.

Sam Beebe, the one man behind the magic, does for music what ekphrasis does for a painting. He can play the omniscient narrator or the close friend. Listening to Black Bear’s album, The Cinnamon Phase, is like secretly reading a stranger’s diary–it’s as if we were never meant to hear his thoughts.

The sonic component of this album is vast and varied. Sometimes the music is a blissful melody with Beebe singing in and out. Other times, like on “Like Venice” we are literally listening to a story, Beebe the speaker–prose the lyric. Please enjoy the album and I urge you to go out and find more about the man, whose mind is surely a rare one.

MP3: Black Bear – “I Believe in Immediacy”

 Here are some more:

MP3: Black Bear – “Like Venice”

MP3: Black Bear – “Black Bear”

 Home (Baskerville Hill Records) | MySpace | Hype Machine

Buy The Cinnamon Phase: Amazon | Baskerville Hill for $12!

Rediscovering the Video – 4/1/08

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In this installment of Rediscovering the Video I want to bring to light videos that all have one thing in common: redefining the genre.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=38_MwcGDNhQ[/youtube]

I think we can all agree that the impact The Dogs had on music cannot be understated. Bringing to light the issues of addiction, The Dogs foreshadowed songs like Tupacs “Changes” as well as LFO’s “Summergirls.” When the nation needs something to turn to in hard times, look no further than this brilliantly directed video. As the rappers move in an out of a scene so real and vital the viewer is forced to suspend his or her own belief, the tension increases. The video ends with the somber statement of a young girl begging her mother to lay off the crack because it makes the other kids pick on her… I think we can all relate. Continue reading →