Dear Hipsters,

I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve last written. I swear I wasn’t trying to break your heart; these things just happen sometimes. Things change. People move away. Personally, I’ve just been busy kicking television and foxtrotting–you know, Dixie Cup drinkin’ and assassining down the avenues. Besides, it’s been a long, hot summer. And we all know that when it’s hot in the poor places at night, I’m not going outside.

The good news is that I’m back, and I won’t leave you again (at least for the forseeable future). I also got you something. For those of you who secretly love Wilco, but publicly disdain their critical acclaim, mainstream appeal, and increasing Dad-rock status–this is for you. I give you some bands that are Wilco without being Wilco. Let’s go through them one by one, shall we?

Loose Fur is band of the men who basically brought you Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. This side project, made up of Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, drummer Glenn Kotche and YHF mixer Jim O’Rourke, has released two albums since 2003. The first is the self-titled Loose Fur. My favorites from the six-track album are “Laminated Cat” and “Chinese Apple.” “Laminated Cat“ is a re-working of a song written for Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but left off the album, called “Not For the Season.” This vibey, drum-driven number about the shifting seasons suits Tweedy and Kotche well. You can check it (and Jeff Tweedy’s standup-worthy banter) here:

“Chinese Apple” will be somewhat familiar to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot aficionados. Part of Tweedy’s initially semi-improvised lyrics in this low-key folk tune assimilated their way into the very dissimilar “Heavy Metal Drummer.” Over the finger-picked guitars, soft percussion and distant organs, Tweedy sings “Unlock my body and move myself at last / in the warm liquid, flowing glowing glass / Classical music, blasting masks are ringing in my ears.” Hear (most of) it here, accompanied by adorable cartoon animals:

On Loose Fur’s newest release, Born Again in the USA, comes the infectiously catchy “The Ruling Class,” a song best suited to those not politically correct or only ironically homeboys with Jesus. Tweedy spins the tale of the second coming of Christ in modern day America over jangly steel guitars and a whistling line sure to get stuck in your head for days on end.

Also available on Born Again in the USA (but sadly nowhere I could find on Youtube or elsewhere on the interwebs) is “Answers to Your Questions,” a highly-relatable, melancholy folk tune about a slightly-bitter ex-lover who doesn’t want to write you back. Jim O’Rourke’s low, clear vocals plod along with the bass atop Tweedy’s buoyant acoustic guitar. It’s a shame I can’t find it–guess you’ll have to buy the album.

Let’s move on to the next one, pronto. Pronto is a side project with Wilco keyboardist Mikael Jorgensen. I can’t claim to know much about this New York-based group, other than that I like what I hear. I also like Jorgensen’s glasses. Anyway, they’ve released two discs, All Is Golden and (very recently) The Cheetah, filled with catchy tunes, many of which (but not all) sound like pop-rock throw-backs to the 70s, all signed with Jorgensen’s signature key-tickling. Here’s a taste of one of my favorites, the sunshiney “When I’m On the Rocks:”

Another non-Wilco Wilco group is made up of Wilco multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone and long-time Uncle Tupelo/Wilco bassist, John Stirratt. Both are highly talented musicians, singers and song-writers, so the combination naturally results in a great melodic soft folk-rock duo, The Autumn Defense. The group cites musical influences of Cat Stevens, Nick Drake and Simon & Garfunkle–take a listen, and it’s not difficult to hear where these influences come in.

Well, hipsters, this is the end. I can’t tell if this brings my heart the way I wanted when I started writing this blog to you. But it will have to do. I’ll write again soon. I’ll write you a box full of letters.

Sincerely,
the man who loves you,

Paul A. Ab-Dul

For more on:
Loose Fur – http://www.dragcity.com/artists/loose-fur
Pronto – http://www.myspace.com/prontonyc | http://www.facebook.com/Prontosphere | http://prontosphere.com/
The Autumn Defense – http://www.myspace.com/theautumndefense | http://www.theautumndefense.com/

For other Wilco side projects:
Nels Cline: http://www.myspace.com/nelscline
Pat Sansone: http://www.myspace.com/birdyonthemoon
Glenn Kotche: http://www.myspace.com/onfillmore | http://www.myspace.com/glennkotche
Jeff Tweedy: http://www.goldensmog.com/

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.

1. A song about a year: Holland, 1945 – Neutral Milk Hotel

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.

2. A song about academics: Imitosis – Andrew Bird

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.

3. A song named after a country: Holland – Sufjan Stevens

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?

4. A song about the weather: Pouring Rain – Jeff Pianki

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.

5. A song with an exclamation point in the title (censored titles do not count): O Valencia! – The Decemberists

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.

6. A song about bad habits: The Girl You Lost to Cocaine – Sia

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.

7. A song from a movie: Deadweight – Beck

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.

8. A song whose title is a question: Are You Leaving? – Kinematic

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.

9. A song you’re embarrassed to own: Father Figure – George Michael

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.

10. A song with numbers: B-13 – Jump, Little Children (Live)

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.

11. An acoustic song you like: Home In the Woods – Corey Chisel and The Wandering Sons

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.

12. A song from a band that has more than 4 words in its name: Underwater (You and Me) – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

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.

13. A song from a musical: Tear Me Down – Spoon

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.

14. A song for the holidays: O Come O Come Emmanuel – Sufjan Stevens

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, entitled Battle. 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.

furry jews

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.

Myspace

Official Website

Other Recommended Videos: Here and Here