Always been a fan of Vampire Weekend, but never fully appreciated their punmanship and the adages, which are strewn about in “Step,” one of two songs released off their newest album, Modern Vampires of the City. One listen through and I’m already hooked on the song and the nostalgic video featuring NYC. ”Wisdom’s a gift, but you’d trade it for youth. Age is an honor- it’s still not the truth.” These guys are too good.
“So Good At Being In Trouble” is off Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s second album, aptly named, II. UMO does a good job of fusing lo-fi and indie rock that combines elements of Tame Impala and Grizzly Bear. For more check out their first album, which is self-titled.
Yup, Ben Folds Five is back and songs like “Draw a Crowd” recapture some of the charm and irreverent nature of their less-serious side. Sometimes you are alright settling with ‘Vanilla Thunder.’ I know I am.
One of my favorites off The Avett Brothers latest, The Carpenter. I am a sucker for simple music videos depicting the recording/touring life.
Alt-J- “Breezeblocks, on An Awesome Wave.
Alt-J isn’t just the keyboard shortuct on Apple OS systems for the Greek letter, Delta, it is also the name of a British alternative indie rock group. The band released their first album in 2012, An Awesome Wave, and it is quite an impressive mix of Radioheadish stylings mixed with hip-hop beats and some folky Mumford-sounding rhythms to name a few. I must say this album took be by surprise and has quickly become one of my new favorites. More to come from them, since I can’t post more than 1 video at a time. Enjoy.
El Guincho (translates to “pike or goad” is a very different Spanish artist. Just like my music taste, his music is an ecclectic mix. It’s a fusion of afrobeat, trance, steel drums and many others. As a Carl Sagan fan, I must admit I love his tribute to the late cosmologist in the beginning of “Bombay” but after the into I have no words to describe this insane video. My favorite track is off is album, Pop Negro, and is called “FM Tan Sexy.” It’s rhythm and repetition stick with you.
Check out this catchy track from Of Monsters and Men, a 6-piece folk band from Iceland. In 2010 they were the winners of Músíktilraunir, a nation-wide battle of the bands. “Little Talks” is a strange and creative video, as expected from Icelanders.
Catchy, melodious tune off The Cults self-titled debut. The video interestingly focuses on footage of the lives of members of the Peoples Temple. Members of the Peoples Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, committed mass suicide in 1978 encouraged by their leader and cult-founder, Jim Jones.
“Got It All” was the first single off their latest, In the Mountain in the Cloud. It is a solid album through and through. ”So American” sounds and feels like summer; which the video embraces. I was fortunate enough to see these guys kick ass at Bonnaroo last summer and am definitely going to check them out on their current tour.
