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.
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.
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.
There has been one thing that had clashed between Paul and I for a long time, and that is one man by the name of Conor Oberst. Now, as many of you hipsters know, the new Conor Oberst self-titled album officially came out in the U.S. on August 5th, though it has been on the internet for quite some time. I remember when I found out about the album, then, when I found out about the tour. I was at the Philadelphia show on August 11th, (I know I suck at updating, I meant to that night, but I couldn’t get on the internet with my Mac and felt bad using my friend’s desktop) and to be honest, it was the best show I believe I’ve ever been to. Now, many of you cringe at the mention of the man who is affiliated with Bright Eyes, who is Bright Eyes. However, I tell you, listen to Conor Oberst. It is some of the best work I’ve heard in a while and it is racking up the plays on my iTunes. So, put your prejudices behind you.
The opening track is called “Cape Canaveral” which is a beautiful and elegant song, and my personal favorite on the album. Close seconds are “Milk Thistle” (I cried during this one at the show, I’m not afraid to admit it, it was beautiful and touching) and “Souled Out!!!” which has a new video out:
Now, while this may not tickle the fancy of many of you out there, it certainly did to the large amount of hipsters that waited outside the Troc that fateful night. Many, like me, were excited, but concealed it behind their apathetic attitudes (I didn’t, sorry) and arrived early, providing some in line laughs and eye rolling. Now, the show was sold out, very packed, and I hope if you ever go to a show with a parent that doesn’t know show etiquette that they stand in the back, drinking like good parents that need to pass the time. They truly can be irritating when they elbow you, telling you to back off. If that woman reads this, Sorry, I was being shoved against you, too. I didn’t want to be, trust me. There were plenty of others I’d prefer to be pushed against. For the most part, the fans were friendly and good natured, being apathetic and smoking and talking outside the venue. It had a great feeling, as it was a very intimate show, and I’d advise you all to go to a show if you can. I recently found out that there will be two shows in New York City this November. So, buy your tickets and relax, giving a good listen to the music.
Songs can be found here: myspace.com/conoroberst and are available in your local Borders, F.Y.E. or iTunes.
So, since it’s been so long, and I feel bad, I propose a challenge to Paul. Let’s give each other bands to blog about, so we just don’t pick things we are already opinionated about. What do you think, buddy?
The Horrors. Kind of an awful band name, yet at the same time is fitting for their work and style. Now, while the name may have turned you away from this band in the past, do give them a listen. The Horrors are a horror-punk rock (appropriate) band that is striving in the music scene across the sea. Now, they are beginning to become increasingly popular in the United States, and have become friends with legendary members of the alternative scene, such as Nick Zinner, as pictured above. Their beautiful, delicious accents are not the only thing that makes them an incredible band; it is far more than that.
Their CD, Strange House, hit America in March of 2007, while their EP hit our shores in 2006. Now, when I first found this band they were just on myspace and their music had little plays; these were the songs that would be featured on their self-titled EP. One of their hits, “Sheena is a Parasite” is also featured on Strange House. And on Youtube. But the video is not as good as “She’s the New Thing.”
So you’ll view this.
One thing besides their great music is their obvious influence in the alternative scene. Faris Badwan, the lead singer, has made appearances at the Misshapes Club, prior to it’s closing, and not to mention his impeccable good looks. While he may seem a bit disproportioned, in reality it works. Their style also adds to their allure, not to mention the fact that they are British, and they have the hipster look down. Just looking at them one can tell that it must be difficult to stay as thin as they are, and one theory is that to be a member of the Horrors means that you get one piece of lettuce a day. Impressive. And most likely untrue.
If you want to hear more of their music, visit either their myspace or purevolume. I also strongly suggest listening to some of their live performances on youtube
A few nights ago, I received an instant message from a very good friend of mine. She forced me to listen to Broken Social Scene for the first time. Now, while I had heard whispers about this band before, I was too lazy to investigate them. However, as soon as the music video was playing on my Mac, I was hooked like a hooker is to sex.
I didn’t expect them to be anything out of the ordinary, but I was proved wrong. The band has catchy songs and delicious topics. They’re not your ordinary indie band, no, they are far better. The massive group of them (really, I would get sick of being around that many people on a tour. It would be beyond annoying. I give them props.) preform very well together to produce the exquisite tunes. They’re music varies from a female singer to a male, acoustic guitar to electric and really has a wide range. Their albums You Forgot in People and Feel Good Lost are two of my personal favorites and since I downloaded them, I haven’t been able to stop listening to them. “I’m Still your Fag” is my alarm clock song that I wake up to every morning. This post has been poor and late but if it has helped you find a small flicker of love for them deep in your ironic hearts, listen to them.
More of their music can be found on their myspace or their purevolume. Enjoy and happy listening!
By the way, I am terribly sorry, Paul. I seemed to get a bit distracted by concerts and coffee shops.
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.
