Rhye - The Fall

Not much is known about this soulful LA duo reminiscent of a young Sade that seemed to have appeared out of thin air and release on of my favorite little EP’s of the year. 

Like me, you probably fell hard for Rhye after hearing their first single “Open.”All I can really say is that I wish the EP was more than three songs. I guess I’ll have to wait patiently like everyone else for their upcoming LP which has been rumored to drop in February 2013.

House - Kindness 

This is a pretty brilliant video. I believe it adresses in the best light possible exactly what Leonard Bernstein is speaking to below. What do you think about the “pop music phenomenon?” 

“ For a long time now I’ve been fascinated by this strange and compelling scene called ‘pop music’ – I say strange, because it’s unlike any scene I can think of in the history of ALL music. It’s completely of, by and for the kids. And by kids I mean anyone from 8 years old to 25. They write the songs, they sing them, own them, record them – they also buy the records, create the market, they set the fashions in the music, in dress, in dance, in hairstyle, lingo, social attitudes.

And I say compelling, because it shows no sign of abatement – the fads change, the groups change, but the songs keep coming, increasingly odd, defiant and free.

This music raises lots of questions – but right now, for openers, here are the two that concern me most. One, why do adults resent it so? And two, why do I like it?” — Leonard Bernstein, 1967

[NEW TRACK] Blonds - Kite

Young Circles front man Jordy Asher is working on a new project between albums with the love of his life Cari Rae. I say love of his life not knowing them personally, but knowing that this track is amazing and one can only assume that it has to be the love of his life to sound this good. 

Usually this is where I would describe the project, but since they have given me such a spot on description I will go ahead and throw that at you. “Blonds is fronted by female vocalist Cari Rae, who’s accompanied by her musical brain and beau, Jordy Asher. Their music is but a day dream in a dreary-painted world. Gravity is not an option, so just float on to a place where the air is thin and the music is soulful, sweet, and speaks to your body like a soft breeze.”

I love the scratchy old record effect used on this track and Cari’s voice and style is spot on. Jordy has always been a magician when it comes to blending musical genres and styles. You can tell he’s at it again with this track. What shouldn’t work always does when it comes to his music. I believe I once described the Bones EP like “Imagine that Beck, Audioslave and Muse walked in to a recording studio then invited some early 90’s trip-hop and some of your new favorite dub step creators to join the party.”  

Blonds will release their EP on December 13th, just in time for the Holidays. If this track doesn’t excite you I don’t know what will.

facebook|bandcamp 

Kyla La Grange - You Let it Go//

Anyone that looks like that and sings like this has something good going for themselves.  The song above is simple, haunting and emotionally charged.  I bet she is a great performer.  If you’re in to Lykee Li then Kyla will be your home girl too.

Ms. La Grange is from the UK but until now has never popped up on my radar. Thankfully, the crew over at Mostly Junkfood is on their game. Below, is another song from this lovely lady called, “Walk Through Walls”  it’s a little less poppy, more instrumental, not as dark, but still delicious.

Kyla La Grange - Walk Through Walls 

-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp

Inspired by Kylie’s most recent Angus and Julia Stone post I decided that it would be fun to introduce you to two other bands that also feature siblings at their creative core.  The first band I would like to tell you about is Zambri.  I was fortunate enough to catch these two gorgeous and talented sisters a couple of weekends ago at Glasslands Gallery. 

I have to say that I’ve been wanting to write about them but all of the tracks they have out there really don’t do their live shows any justice.  I decided on the video below even though its seems way more pop driven that the performance I saw the other weekend.  Live, they are very artsy and avant-garde from their overall style to instrumental and vocal technique.  If you catch a show you’ll know what I’m getting at.  

Check out their Q&A with NPR and the interesting videos on their website that they are always creating for their fans much like the iamwhoiam mystery videos. You can catch them September 30th at Cameo Gallery, Brooklyn.

http://www.myspace.com/zambri

The Second band, Murder Mystery has been on our radar in the past with songs like “Love Astronaut” from their 2008 EP release, Are You Ready for the Heartache Cause Here It Comes.  Brother and sister Jeremy and Laura Coleman are the driving creative force in this four piece group.  Laura on drums and voice and Jeremy painting beautiful scenery with lyrics and vocals.  Below is a recent rooftop session they recorded for Wild Honey Pie. 

www.murdermysterymusic.com

-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp

Marina and The Diamonds//I’m Not a Robot

Guess what, I’m not a robot either and to further this statement I’m not a huge fan of pop, but this is BIG.  This song kills it. As a non pop fanatic I would recommend this popolicious song to anyone with ear drums and a the ability to give some pop a chance.  Don’t act tough, don’t go smoke some cigs. If you don’t know what I’m referring to then you haven’t given Marina a listen. Shame on you!

http://www.marinaandthediamonds.com

-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp

NEW ALBUM - Scissor Sisters

Ever since “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin” was released off of their 2001 album, Ta-Duh I have absolutely adored this group and therefore am super excited for their upcoming album.

I mean honestly it doesn’t matter who you are at least once in your life you’ve jumped around, arms swinging, possibly in your mirror yell-singing, “Don’t feel like dancin’, dancin’ Even if i find nothin’ better to do.” 

The song above, “Invisible Light” was released yesterday.  Although it doesn’t evoke the same jump around and sing in front of the mirror emotion it does make me eager to hear the rest of their new album, Night Work, due to drop June 28th.  The track list can be seen below.  And may I add, my how fit you’re looking Ana!

1. Night Work
2. Whole New Way
3. Fire With Fire
4. Any Which Way
5. Harder You Get
6. Running Out
7. Something Like This
8. Skin This Cat
9. Skin Tight
10. Sex and Violence
11. Night Life
12. Invisible Light

-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp

My Gold Mask

Chi Town is in the house and I’m not talking R. Kelly or Kanye West Chi Town, I’m talking the wild pop psychedelic rock inspired two piece band My Gold Mask.  This band is another great example of two people who are able to achieve that full rich sound see Hank & Cupcakes or The White Stripes that so many of their larger counterparts seem to struggle with. 

I’m always impressed with these types of groups and My Gold Mask is no different.  Their EP, A Thousand Voices achieves that rich full sound mostly through the layering and vocal range of lead singer and drummer Gretta Rochelle.  At it’s sweetest her voice is reminiscent of Karen O., while at it’s grittiest seems to channel a bit of Courtney Love.  Jack Armondo creates eerie psychedelic guitar riffs evocative of Jefferson Airplane on his nylon string electric guitar, complimenting and enhancing Gretta’s vocal range.

The song featured above, “Violet Eyes” is the first single of their A Thousand Voices EP as well as my favorite track.  You can buy their EP for $3 and their LP for $5 from their website a small price to pay for some fantastic music.  Also if you’re in the New York area make sure to catch them towards the end of April.

Union Hall April 21st Brooklyn, NY

Hussel Club @ The Loft @ Public Assembly April 22nd Brooklyn, NY

http://www.myspace.com/mygoldmask

http://www.mygoldmask.com

music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp