The Emerald Isle has given us many modern day folk icons, like Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan. So in honor of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day, which, despite my lack of Irish heritage, I will ironically celebrate tomorrow, I’d like to showcase one of my new favorite (and Irish) singer-songwriters, Fionn Regan. He has a few independently released EPs, but his 2007 debut album, The End of History, which I’ve just discovered, took me by surprise and became an instant staple in my musical library. This fighting Irishman says he channels the likes of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, but if you’re a fan of Sufjan Stevens, Elliott Smith, Elvis Perkins or good folk music in general, stumbling upon Fionn is the luck of the Irish for you. In a sea of mediocre folk singers, musicians and lyricists, Fionn is the four-leaf clover you’ve been searching for.
Fionn’s music is simple yet intricate, like all good folk music should be, in my unhumble opinion. He has it all: simple lyrics, simple melodies, simple arrangements. Yet his lyrics are rife with references and deeper meanings, his vocals strongly carry the melodies, and his musical arrangements may be sparse, but his guitar picking is brilliant.
Musical comparisons will do him no justice, so just go ahead and take a listen to my personal favorite, The Underwood Typewriter:
One of his most popular tracks, Put A Penny In the Slot, is a lyrical masterpiece reminiscent of Dylan:
For more on Fionn Regan, you can check out his official website and myspace page. If you feel so inclined, he also twitters, which means he personally bares his soul to you in 140 characters or less. For more on the Irish, wake up tomorrow, dress in green, get some nonalcoholic beer for irony and eat some corned beef and cabbage. On behalf of Bobcat, this is Paul A. Ab-Dul saying watch out for those lecherous leprechauns and have a hip and happy St. Patty’s Day.
Like any hipster, I would like to attribute my slender physique to strict regime of cigarettes, illegal substances and a lack of nourishment; however, every hipster needs to work it out every once in a while. Unfortunately, I find my beloved lo-fi indie-folk-pop-rock fusions are not quite suited to sweating it out at the gym. So at times when I need something with a little more of a beat, where do I turn? Recently, it has been to Sufjan Stevens’ epic musical joyride, “Illinoise“–with a twist.
NYC-based alt-hip hop duo Metermaids have mashed-up their debut album “Nightlife,” an album acclaimed for its high energy blend of rap, rock, pop and funk, with Stevens‘ “Illinoise.”Yes, you read that right. Somehow, the combination works. Set to swelling violins, horns, banjos and ethereal loops of the Illinoisemakers’ vocals, the Metermaids’ lyrics and beats make Sufjan sound edgier than I ever believed possible on “Nightlife in Illinoise.” Don’t believe me? Take a listen to “A Breakdown In Chicago, or, How To Sabotage Your Own Happiness In Two Easy Steps.”
The Metermaids offer mash ups of five more tracks from “Illinoise,” the six instrumental versions of those mash ups and a must-have remix of “The Avalanche.” The best part? It’s entirely free. You’ve got nothing to lose. Whether you’re a fan of Sufjan, hip hop or free music, click over to the Metermaids’ Nightlife in Illinoise page, check out the tracks and accept the Metermaids’ invitiation to Come on! Refeel the Illinoise.
Today is a day of lasts–and tomorrow a day of new beginnings. We have waited so long, and it is finally here.
Yes, we all know today is Still-President Bush’s last day in office. Many rejoice. And, yes, tomorrow we here in the good old US of A will welcome Still-President-Elect Barack Obama into office with bells and whistles and parades and balls. We will buy stock in hope, and cartoon birds and bunnies will roam freely across our great land spreading cheer–but a less lauded animal will roam, too: the Noble Beast.
Yes, today is the last day I will have to live without Andrew Bird’s glorious fifth album, Noble Beast. And tomorrow, I will get my grubby little hipster hands on a copy of it, and despite the economic disaster, wars, melting glaciers and all that general strife Obama has to look forward to, all will be well in my world for 54 minutes and 16 seconds. I encourage you to do your part in helping the economy by investing this CD. From what I’ve heard, it’s well worth it.
Because I’m in an uncharacteristically charitable mood, here’s a fabulous YouTube video of the first track, “Oh No!“
Like it? Good. Me too. Listening to that put me in an even better mood, so should you desire a sneak peak at the entire album before it drops tomorrow, look no further than this link. You may thank me later.
And so, we soon say goodbye to January 19th, 2009 and hello to January 20th, 2009–and then the wait ends.
Welcome to the White House, Barack Obama.
Welcome to my iTunes Libaray, Noble Beast.
I have Mix(taped) It Up for the Holidays! As I did last time, I have provided you as best I can with links to the songs. Please do your best to focus on the music and not videos involving morbid middle schoolers or young punks in tight pants wandering the streets of what appears to be California.
I thought this would be an appropriate kick-in-the-ear opener to my mixtape. According to my sources, this is a song about the year WWII ended and Anne Frank died. Interestingly, it also sounds very happy.
Here I go with Andrew Bird again, right? Naturally. I learned more about science from this song than from AP Biology–Bunsen burners, petri dishes, mitosis and osmosis galore! Tell me, doctor, can you quantify the reason why Andrew Bird is so amazing? No, I didn’t think so.
Another song about Holland! This one is technically named after Holland, Michigan, but I jump at the chance to place Sufjan on any mixtape. This song brings tears of moist melancholy to my arid hipster eyes that usually remain in a perpetual condescending stare. Marry me, Sufjan?
I plan on blogging about this guy shortly seeing as how he amazes me to no end. In a few years, I think we’ll be hearing a lot about him. But remember–you heard it here first. This song is poignant and lovely; I especially like the ending with the harmonics, which, astonishingly enough, reminds me of pouring rain. I couldn’t find a video for this song, but you should be able to find it on the link to his myspace that I provided. I would also recommend checking out his YouTube channel and downloading his demos for free here.
Another bustlingly happy song about unpleasant things! I suggest if you are squeamish and dislike the sight of blood, or syrup dyed red for that matter, that you stop watching the video around 2:37 and just close your eyes and picture Colin Meloy skipping jubilantly around TV screens in fields of daisies until the song ends.
I thought a lot about this one. I considered Needle In the Hay by Elliott Smith, because really, what’s a worse habit than heroin addictions? But I then opted for something more upbeat because that felt out of place. Cocaine addictions that drive your loved ones away sound about as bad, I believe. Sia is also a pretty incredible artist. Check out her solo stuff as well as her work with Zero 7.
I’ve never seen A Life Less Ordinary, but this is a great song. It’s a mix like a down tempo Beckalicious mix of Tropicalia and New Pollution; it makes me want to go sip pineapple juice on the roof and bask in the sun, although the roof is covered with ice and there is no sun to bask in. The video is pretty typical eccentric and esoteric Beck, albeit a shameless plug for the movie.
Ah, my favorite Aussie quartet. I did a piece on these guys a while back because I think they’re awesome and I think you should think so, too. I then branded this song “evocatively gorgeous” and “Beatles-esque” and I stand by that. Again, I couldn’t find a video, so their myspace will have to suffice. While you’re there, please check the rest of their stuff out. These guys deserve their music to get out there; it’s worth listening to.
I’m wondering if there’s a song more embarrassing to own? George Michael singing about how he wants to be sacred and naked by your side? George Michael will be your father figure? I mean, really? It’s difficult to beat that in terms of embarrassing anything, let alone music–unless you own the entire Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus catalogue, in which case I ask you leave this site immediately and go check yourself into musical rehab.
One of the greatest bands that is sadly no more. Jay Clifford’s voice sends shivers down my apathetically slouchy hipster spine. Most bands could never hope to produce something so beautiful, let alone replicate that live. RIP, Jump, Little Children. You will never die! I will just keep pressing rewind at the end of my JLC CDs. I miss you.
I cannot tell you how many times I listened to this yesterday. I can’t get enough of that intro (if you happen to pass by an apartment building in Williamsburg and hear someone repeatedly singing “Don’t mess with me, mama, I’m a mighty good man!” that would probably be me) or those harmonies–or, for that matter, the bouncing lumberjack to Corey Chisel’s left. He just lends to that home-in-the-woods feel. I also quite enjoy the banjo–if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Sufjan Stevens, it’s that every song can be made better with a jangly banjo line. It is appropriate that these guys are from Wisconsin, seeing as how I’d like to compare Corey Chisel’s voice to Wisconsin hickory smoked cheese: smooth, but smoky–and deliciously flavorful.
Let’s pick it up a bit, shall we? Clap Your Hands Say Yeah not only has five words in its name, but the title of this song has four. In Underwater (You and Me), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah spins an unusually coherent tale of aquatic romance and sub-sea-level adventure. Retreat to the bottom of the sea and take a listen.
I consider this the closer of the tape and the song for the holidays a bonus track of sorts. This one makes me want to dance around the loft in drag like Hedwig and her (his?) Angry Inch. And so what if I do? YOU DON’T KNOW ME, KANSAS CITY! I’m the new Berlin Wall. Try and tear me down.
Since I consider this a bonus track of sorts, I decided it’s okay that I use Sufjan Stevens twice. Actually, I just made up the whole thing about bonus tracks so I could justify my actions. Look down upon me if you must, but O Come on, what couldn’t use just a little more Sufjan? It came down to this and That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! and I really couldn’t decide, so I chose blindly–feel free to do the same between these two. Sufjan Stevens is also notable for eclipsing my love of Andrew Bird. I didn’t think it was possible–but O! It was.
Anyway, that is my contribution to you all. Until the New Year, this is Paul A. Ab-Dul wishing you a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, a jubilant Kwanzaa and a jolly, pagan Xmas and Winter Solstice! I’ll be seeing (and judging) you in 2009. Stay hip, children.
So, it’s that time again! In the spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah, Paul and I bring you our second Mix(tape) It Up! Challenge! It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these and they were supposed to be monthly, but we’ll settle for this at the moment. Paul and I slaved over this (she did more), so be excited and get into the holiday spirit! And remember, try not to use the same band/artist more than once, that is looked down upon. Show us your hipster knowledge!
1. A song about a year:
2. A song about academics:
3. A song named after a country:
4. A song about the weather:
5. A song from a movie:
6. A song with an exclamation point in the title (censored titles do not count):
7. A song about bad habits:
8. A song you’re embarassed to own:
9. A song whose title is a question:
10. A song with numbers:
11. An acoustic song you like:
12. A song from a band that has more than 4 words in its name:
13. A song from a musical:
14. And finally, a song for the holidays!
Have fun with this, guys, and have a great holiday season!
As a gift, here is a CD one of my best friends made because of the holiday season! It can be downloaded here!
Once upon a time there were two little hipsters sitting around on a break apathetically. One of the hipsters, named Bobcat, turned to her friend, Paul.
“Paul,” she mumbled looking over. “I’m quite busy because I have a new pet bunny that has yet to be named, it is my birthday week and I am visiting my brother at his fraternity. I also had pneumonia! Can you update the blog?”
“BOBCAT, I WAS THE LAST ONE TO UPDATE THE BLOG, YOU DO IT. I HAVE TO GO PLAY GUITAR AND PRETEND I DON’T LIKE BRIGHT EYES WHILE I SIT AROUND AND LEARN HOW TO PLAY ‘FIRST DAY OF MY LIFE,’” she yelled, unamused.
Then, she proceeded to update the blog anyway, after reducing her friend to apathetic tears. Still she continues to bother me to update, while she is lounging back, sipping on tea. Well, here is my update, Paul. I do this from a friend’s house.
Someone more people should know about, and well, is a man by the name of Patrick Wolf, a music prodigy. This 25 year-old is not new to the music scene, yet many people do not know about him. He has been recording since the age of twelve and has so far released three albums and seven EPs. According to Wikipedia (pronunciation debated), in 2009 he will release a double album, entitledBattle. This is exciting!
Patrick Wolf’s music is something peculiar. His music is both dark and happy, depending on the album. The CD that has caught the eye of many is The Magic Position, with songs like “The Magic Position” and “Secret Garden” (literary references? I think so. “Peter Pan” is a track from his album, Lycanthropy. Wolf’s music is interesting- it is mystical and airy, using innovative instruments like violins and ukuleles; you don’t hear these much any more. Don’t let that put you off- he is probably one of the best lyricists of the age; another Sufjan Stevens with a British twist.
Personally, my favorite album is Lycanthropy and here is a little sample of that:
His songs are catchy, interesting, and occasionally creepy (i.e. “The Childcatcher”) but for good reason. He stands out from the rest of the crowd and not just from his music. Patrick Wolf is an interesting dresser; a true modern day Peter Pan. He wears elaborate clothing and accessories, all bright and earthy at the same time. For shows, he often is sporting glitter- something most men do not have the guts to do. This man is truly extravagant and one of a kind.
For more on Patrick Wolf you can find some songs on his myspace or through the onslaught of videos on youtube.
It had been a month since the blog was updated, and it was in need of updating.
“The blog needs updating,” said the Little Red Hipster. “Who will update the blog?”
“Not I,” said the Bob.
“Not I,” said the Cat.
“Not I,” said the Bobcat Cat.
“Then I will,” said the Little Red Hipster. And she did.
My apologies once again. I was expecting a post from Bobcat shortly following my own, but, alas, when a job needs to be done, do it yourself. (That is possibly the least hipster sentiment I’ve ever expressed in this blog, aside from my love of Barenaked Ladies. A real hipster would just glare at the job with apathetic rage until it did itself.) I really have no excuse for not updating, disregarding bouts of sickness and looming deadlines that lead to decisions that will affect the rest of my life. Bobcat, on the other hand, is playing with her new rabbit. Naturally, when I thought about what I should write about, flaming Conor Oberst sounded like an excellent idea–but then I thought, “Hey, I’ve been listening to a lot of Emilíana Torrini lately.”
Emilíana Torrini hails from Iceland, the land of swan dresses and Björk, and is best known for providing the vocals for “Gollum’s Song” for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. And apparently she put out a new album. Who knew? Me and Armini, which dropped on September 9th, is a mix of genres from folk to reggae and country to jazz with a common Emilíana-spin. Never over-orchestrated or over-produced, each song features simple guitar and drum arrangements backing Emilíana’s unique vocals; her raspy voice constantly straddles the line between juvenile, bubbly innocence and breathy, world-weary maturity. Her slower, softer, stripped-down numbers often sound like songs meant only for the singer’s own ears–something private and vulnerable you were lucky enough to happen to eavesdrop on. But I digress–I’ve read only good things about this follow-up of Fisherman’s Woman (the follow-up of the popular, but drastically different Love in the Time of Science).
My pick is Heartstopper, a favorite of mine from 2005’s Fisherman’s Woman. It’s a simple enough song about everything in life seeming to fall apart all at once. The contrast between the slow, vulnerable chorus and the comparatively chaotic arrangement and the strength of Emilíana’s voice in the verses has always gotten me and my cold, apathetic heart. I’m not a huge fan of music videos usually, but this one is worth a watch or two (or ten). Seriously.
Going from stopped hearts to hearts beating like jungle drums, my pick from the new album is the infectiously catchy Jungle Drum.
Other highlights for me from the new album were Fireheads, Big Jumps, Gun and Bleeder.
For more on Emilíana Torrini, check out her official site and myspace page.
Also, if you would be so kind as to look in the sidebar, you can find many ways to keep in touch with us. If you would be so kind as to select the way that best suits you, please feel free to leave Bobcat angry messages (or comments!) demanding updates. ‘Til next time (which hopefully won’t be another month away): stay hip, kids.
Well, kindred spirits in hipsterness, it has been a while, hasn’t it? Bobcat and I do apologize for our absence. The blog has been neglected whilst we have been off wasting our parents trust fund money at fine institutions of higher learning, or perhaps we’ve just been in a two month long apathy-induced coma. You’ll never know. Regardless, I do believe an update is long overdue.
For those of you who enjoy a little folk in your indie diet from time to time, I present to you Jose Gonzalez. Jose, who hails from Göteborg, Sweden but is really Argentinian, is best known for his down-tempo, lo-fi covers of other people’s songs. For instance, Massive Attack’s “Tear Drop” or The Knife’s “Heartbeat.” But his newest album, In Our Nature, which dropped in September of last year, is full of his own material (okay, except for “Tear Drop”) that lyrically takes on such ambitious subjects as war and religion and the purpose of life and is chock full of brilliant guitar playing.
He often garners comparisons to Pink Moon-era Nick Drake. I find that this comparison is less apt in sound than in essence. They may both use stripped down, folksy acoustic guitar and have some soft, whispery quality to their vocals, but they really don’t sound too similar. I find the similarities in the way they write their lyrics, the way they structure their songs, and their mutual affinity for minimalistic guitar accompaniments. When I hear Jose Gonzalez, I prefer to liken his sound to a Nick Drake-James Taylor hybrid with a tropical twist–the Latin influence on his music is undeniable and often overlooked.
One constant criticism (as highlighted by a certain music site that we hipsters publicly shun but still read in the privacy of our homes with curtains drawn and lights off) is that Gonzalez’s original work doesn’t stand up to his cover tracks and that those often outshine any particular original song. That being said, I don’t believe any track on In Our Nature is really a standout from any other track, not even the cover. Certainly, I have my favorites, but I think this more “atmospheric” disc is best listened to as a whole. Regardless, try Fold out:
If you liked that, you will probably enjoy the rest of Jose’s work. LaBlogotheque has other beautiful live videos of Jose Gonzalez’s Abram and How Low. (Side note: In general, I find LaBlogotheque is a great source of excellent versions of excellent artists’ excellent songs.) You can find more of Jose Gonzalez at his official site and myspace.
Hopefully next time I will return to blog my superior wisdom to the wretched hipster masses sooner than January. I’ll try. Really.
About the delay- we have been ironically busy. Now that things have seemed to calmed down a bit, expect a decent amount of posts. Or whatever.
Once upon a time last year a dear friend recommended me an artist by the name of Ferraby Lionheart and now I am recommending him to you. He has produced a self-titled EP and a full-length album, Catch the Brass Ring, in 2007. His music is key for the acoustic-indie-hipster music scene. He focuses on the main points of a good hipster band; good lyrics, pianos, guitars and various stringed instruments throughout. What makes him stand out from the rest? Well, while he may allure to the hipster scene, he is far too well read and interesting to be just any other hipster band, like Deerhoof or Dr. Dog.
Two of his songs have gained popularity from his albums and have made it to video form, while every one I have hear has been wonderful. His music is the type of music you can listen to for hours while on a long train ride – it is calming a peaceful. Also good for picnics.
His video for “A Crack In Time” is witty and cute, and rather aww-inducing. He uses his simplicity of a man with an acoustic guitar for his benefit, allowing there to be a space for girl and boys to swoon over him in a hope that he is the music he plays. He obviously is a great gentleman to the elderly, and seriously, who doesn’t want that in a musician?
Hipsters and the elderly go hand in hand!
Obama even thinks so!
I seriously want that Hipsters for Obama pin. I know Paul does as well. We’ll be investing in them soon, I’m sure.
So, put your political biases away and give Ferraby Lionheart a listen. He seems like a good guy, he’s has no reason to lie.
A bit delayed, as usual. But here it is, my response to the challenge! I’ll try to get versions of the songs, but I do have ninty percent of them on my iTunes, so if you really want I can send you the MP3 via email or which ever method you choose. Now, the Mix(tape) It Up Challenge!
1. A song with an impressive intro: Stronger- Kanye West.
Who doesn’t love some good Kanye West? Especially with a nice collaberation between him and Daft Punk? This makes for a lovely intro.
2. A song with a literary allusion: Peter Pan- Patrick Wolf
Patrick Wolf and Peter Pan, what a combination. Peter Pan was a book before the Disney Movie, but I’m sure you all knew that. So, this is my literary allusion. Patrick Wolf’s music fits the part, I believe, with the violins and the beautiful melodies he manages to produce.
(I couldn’t find this one, so, good luck with that. Sorry!)
3. A song released 20+ years ago: Guns of Brixton- The Clash
There were so many options for this one, but this song came on my iTunes when I was talking to Paul about it. Who doesn’t love a little bit of The Clash? I know I do. The song was released in 1979.
4. A rap song that fits within the realm of hipsterness: Good Friday- Why?
Yoni Wolf once again produces a great song that manages to fit perfectly in this category. This song is a perfect blend of rap and hipsterism, sweet music to my ears. This song has racked up the plays on my iPod and my computer, so give it a listen.
5. A song by the first band you saw in concert: Take Me Home Please- Reggie and the Full Effect
I’m not going to comment. I could have gone the more embarrassing route and picked a My Chemical Romance song, but I have some pride. I was young and, surprisingly, it was a decent concert.
6. A song that mentions or alludes (clearly) to a historical figure: Cape Canaveral – Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band
Don’t get me started on Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band again. I would have used this for #14, but I ended up using the Mystic Band and Bright Eyes by the time I got there. In this song, Socrates is mentioned and a Greek philospher, though in a different way, still counted.
7. A song employing a foreign language either in part or whole: Qué Onda Guero -Beck
When we decided on this track, I thought this would be difficult. But then I remembered good old Beck. So, Beck was chosen for this track.
8. A song that describes your hometown: Devil Town- Daniel Johnston
What a perfect song to describe my hometown. This song just fits everything that is my hometown. It was covered by Bright Eyes and is featured on his album, Noise Floor Rarities. Daniel Johnston’s original is wonderful, but the cover is almost just as good. I recommend both.
9. A song that mentions fruit:Lime Tree- Bright Eyes
I surprisingly had many, many options for this one. I was going to use “Peach Plum Pear,” a cover by Final Fantasy, but I decided on this one. There was also another Bright Eyes song, “Bowl of Oranges.” Fruit is clearly mentioned in the title.
10. The most heart wrenchingly sad song you know: Trouble (Cover) – Elliott Smith
There were so many options for this one, and I think I had to change it at least five times. This one won it though. Elliott Smith’s cover of the Cat Stevens song is brilliant and heart-wrenching, but you can’t help but listen to it. It brings tears to my eyes every time.
11. A song containing alliteration: On the Bus Mall- The Decemberists
The alliteration varies in this song, switching between verses. I read the lyrics and found the examples and the pattern seems to be two or three words with the same letter. Makes for lovely alliteration, if I do say myself.
(I only could find covers and since I didn’t feel like listening to them all, you can find it. Plus, a cover is hardly ever as good as the original.)
12. An unlikely cover: Hurt- Johnny Cash ( Originally a Nine Inch Nails song)
Nine Inch Nail’s song, “Hurt” is a great song to begin with. Then, Johnny Cash comes and makes it incredible. He took the song and changed it, for the better. It is beautiful and full of emotion and one of the best songs, ever.
13. A song that name drops another artist: Grace Kelly- Mika
Another song that gave me some trouble, but then I thought back and this song popped out. Freddy Mercury is name dropped and this is a fun little tune that gets stuck in your head.
Conor Oberst would be in this place if I didn’t use him already. However, The Libertines are a close second, as the whole band is lovely. So, Pete Doherty may be a heroin addict and doesn’t hang out with the best people, and maybe Carl Barat was a bit hypocritical when he kicked Pete out of the band as he was on coke, but lets face it: they are some of the most attractive men in the world. They both earned a place on the Top 5 in my book. You may argue, but this is my opinion. They’re hot, and their music is great, even in the spin-off bands, Dirty Pretty Things and Babyshambles.
Another song that almost made it into the saddest song category, but I decided it was fitting to be here as well. This song is beautiful and sad, pretty and meaningful. A classic example of Sufjan Stevens, and if you haven’t heard this song, you better listen.
So, there it is! My response. Man, that was fun. Sorry that the videos are iffy, but most of the songs are there! Have a ball, folks.
Like any hipster, I would like to attribute my slender physique to strict regime of cigarettes, illegal substances and a lack of nourishment; however, every hipster needs to work it out every once in a while. Unfortunately, I find my beloved lo-fi indie-folk-pop-rock fusions are not quite suited to sweating it out at the gym. So at times when I need something with a little more of a beat, where do I turn? Recently, it has been to Sufjan Stevens’ epic musical joyride, “Illinoise“–with a twist.
Well, kindred spirits in hipsterness, it has been a while, hasn’t it? Bobcat and I do apologize for our absence. The blog has been neglected whilst we have been off wasting our parents trust fund money at fine institutions of higher learning, or perhaps we’ve just been in a two month long apathy-induced coma. You’ll never know. Regardless, I do believe an update is long overdue.
It was quite a Heartstopper when I saw Hipsters Don’t Lie was updated.
November 29, 2008 · 3 Comments
It had been a month since the blog was updated, and it was in need of updating.
“The blog needs updating,” said the Little Red Hipster. “Who will update the blog?”
“Not I,” said the Bob.
“Not I,” said the Cat.
“Not I,” said the Bobcat Cat.
“Then I will,” said the Little Red Hipster. And she did.
Emilíana Torrini hails from Iceland, the land of swan dresses and Björk, and is best known for providing the vocals for “Gollum’s Song” for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. And apparently she put out a new album. Who knew? Me and Armini, which dropped on September 9th, is a mix of genres from folk to reggae and country to jazz with a common Emilíana-spin. Never over-orchestrated or over-produced, each song features simple guitar and drum arrangements backing Emilíana’s unique vocals; her raspy voice constantly straddles the line between juvenile, bubbly innocence and breathy, world-weary maturity. Her slower, softer, stripped-down numbers often sound like songs meant only for the singer’s own ears–something private and vulnerable you were lucky enough to happen to eavesdrop on. But I digress–I’ve read only good things about this follow-up of Fisherman’s Woman (the follow-up of the popular, but drastically different Love in the Time of Science).
My pick is Heartstopper, a favorite of mine from 2005’s Fisherman’s Woman. It’s a simple enough song about everything in life seeming to fall apart all at once. The contrast between the slow, vulnerable chorus and the comparatively chaotic arrangement and the strength of Emilíana’s voice in the verses has always gotten me and my cold, apathetic heart. I’m not a huge fan of music videos usually, but this one is worth a watch or two (or ten). Seriously.
Going from stopped hearts to hearts beating like jungle drums, my pick from the new album is the infectiously catchy Jungle Drum.
Other highlights for me from the new album were Fireheads, Big Jumps, Gun and Bleeder.
For more on Emilíana Torrini, check out her official site and myspace page.
Also, if you would be so kind as to look in the sidebar, you can find many ways to keep in touch with us. If you would be so kind as to select the way that best suits you, please feel free to leave Bobcat angry messages (or comments!) demanding updates. ‘Til next time (which hopefully won’t be another month away): stay hip, kids.
→ 3 CommentsCategories: Folk · Indie · Music · Pop
Tagged: " said the cat, angry comments, angry messages, apathetic rage, Barenaked Ladies, Big Jumps, Björk, Bleeder, Bobcat Cat, Conor Oberst, country, demand updates, Emiliana Torrini, Fireheads, Fisherman's Woman, folk, Gollum's Song, Gun, Heartstopper, hipster, Iceland, jazz, Jungle Drum, Little Red Hipster, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Love in the Time of Science, Me and Armini, not Bjork, not I, rabbits, reggae, sickness, swan dresses, the Little Red Hen