January 20th, 2009: The Wait Ends Here

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 Library, Noble Beast.

Mix(tape) It Up for the Holidays: Paul Edition

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.

Mixtape Challenge: Paul Edition.

Here it is, my response to our own challenge. Bobcat’s should follow soon.
I’ve provided you all with links to all the songs. These may range from music videos to live shows to Dawson’s Creek fanvids–bear with me. I did the best I could. Besides, who couldn’t use a little more Dawson/Joey in their lives? That’s what I thought.

1. A song with an impressive intro: Special – The Brakes

Okay, so it’s not the most dramatic entrance ever, but, as a whole, I feel like it’s a pretty good kick start to the list. And The Brakes are great.

2. A song with a literary allusion: Lolita – Throw Me the Statue

Bubbly vocals and jangly guitars. Infectiously poppy. This song makes me happy–very much unlike Nabokov’s masterpiece of the same name. But as a side note, if anyone could explain to me what exactly is going on in this video (particularly the end), that would be great. I mean, I get the lecherous old man and all, but somewhere around 2:30 in my mind just explodes.

3. A song released 20+ years ago: Tangled Up In Blue – Bob Dylan

This needs no description. What hipster doesn’t love them some Dylan? Tangled Up In Blue is one of my favorites, and this is by far my favorite version of it. Enjoy it and try to ignore the fact that Dylan must have been running late from his audition for The Dark Knight.

4. A rap song that fits within the realm of hipsterness: Ain’t That Right – G. Love

Flow to G. Love’s flow! A definite feel-good summer track. Not definite rap. Shh.

5. A song by the first band you saw in concert: Half A Heart – Barenaked Ladies

This could have been many songs, but I felt this was the best fit. Plus, I’m a sucker for Ed ballads. You can just smell that self-pity and self-loathing. Oh, ambivalence. Oh, memories. Oh, Barenaked Ladies! (Oh, Ed!) Do you understand my tenderest affections for them now?! They were my first. I will never forget that night. <3

6. A song that mentions or alludes (clearly) to a historical figure: Decatur, Or, Round Of Applause For Your Stepmother! – Sufjan Stevens

Not one, but two mentions! Anyone who has not been distracted by the lines “Stephen A. Douglas was a great debater, but Abraham Lincoln was the great emancipator!” running rampant through his or her head during an American history exam has not lived. Thanks for the answer to that multiple choice, Sufjan.

7. A song employing a foreign language either in part or whole: Larmes – Pauline Croze

Pauline Croze is, without a doubt, the best use of my eight year French education. That being said, I rarely understand what she’s saying. Although I do know larmes is French for ‘tears.’ I also believe she’s saying “The flow of our tears purifies our souls” at the end there. See AP French? You were not entirely in vain.

8. A song that describes your hometown: Welcome to Suburbia – Jeremy Messersmith

“We’ve got cul-de-sacs and barbecues in suburbia. Welcome to the rest of your life.” Enough said. (Jeremy Messersmith is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter from Minneapolis. He’s got good stuff. Check him out.)

9. A song that mentions fruit: Fruit Tree – Nick Drake

Nick Drake is a musical staple of mine. Excellent lyricist, guitarist and singer. This song is particularly poignant as it muses on fame after death (“Fame is but a fruit tree so very unsound /It can never flourish till its stalk is in the ground”); at 26, and in the midst of his relatively unsuccessful career, Drake overdosed. His genius was only recognized years after his untimely death. This song is both beautiful and eerily prophetic. His catalog is a veritable treasure trove. Go forth and ransack it.

10. The most heart wrenchingly sad song you know: Between the Bars – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith is yet another tragic story of one gone before his time. Between the Bars is a bittersweet ballad and a whispered pledge to help another fend off their demons. It makes me sad. And Elliott Smith makes me sad. That’s all.

11. A song containing alliteration: Sunday Sun – Beck

One of my favorite songs off of one of my favorite albums by one of my favorite artists. I can’t really go wrong there. I hold the alliteration to be self evident.

12. An unlikely cover: Bitches Ain’t Shit – Ben Folds

WARNING: This is song contains explicit lyrics.. if you couldn’t tell. I never thought someone could make this into a emotive ballad of betrayal and lost love. Well played, Ben Folds. Well played.

13. A song that name drops another artist: Taxi Driver – Gym Class Heroes

Look! More rap. Does this compensate for #4? It should. Plus, it manages to smoothly name drop multiple bands that could wear this button with unironic pride. (For the record, we want this one.)

14. A song by the band you most swoon over: Skin Is, My – Andrew Bird

I’m going to restrain myself. Once you get me going on Andrew Bird, it’s only a matter of time before everything I say starts to sound like high-pitched fangirlish SQUEE’s of delight.

15. A song about endings: The End – The Beatles

A fitting ending. The Beatles. An obvious choice.

So there you have it.

Spend summer days eating cake by the sea to The Sea and Cake

Hailing from Chicago, my favorite scene for indie music (it provided the world with the beauty that is Andrew Bird, after all), The Sea and Cake is yet another clean and simple indie pop rock band. Around since the early 90′s, a melting pot of influences marks their earlier work, evocative of a sort of more subdued, Vampire Weekend-esque sound–minus the fact that I don’t like them. Sue me. Sufjan Stevens doesn’t like them either. I’m not alone. No one gives a fuck about your Oxford Comma, Vampire Weekend. Sorry.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand. The Sea and Cake is much more palatable–MUCH. Maybe VW was a bad musical comparison. I was going for the tropical/afro-rhythms kind of thing. So maybe they used to be like a less annoying Vampire Weekend plus Yo La Tengo. Whatever. You get the point. While the vocals weren’t as strong back in the day, (they’ve improved over time, like I said), the old stuff is worth listening to. Good for summer days eating cake by the sea. Or just being by the sea. Or just eating cake. Take your pick. In any case, try their self-titled debut out. It’s got a very distinctive sound.

Although that sound has evolved into more current indie pop rock, they’re still great. My pick of the day comes from their newest but not really new album, ‘Everybody.’ The song’s called “Crossing Line” and it’s amazing. Catchy fuzzed guitar line, hand claps, simplistically smart lyrics, among The Sea and Cake‘s better vocals–what more could you ask for? Take a listen here:

You can also take a listen to it over at their myspace (http://www.myspace.com/seaandcake), along with two of my favorite earlier songs, “Jacking the Ball” and “Choice Blanket.” I’ll have some up over at ProjectPlaylist (http://www.playlist.com/node/36491639), too.

For more on The Sea and Cake, visit their website (http://www.theseaandcake.com/).
For more on Sufjan Stevens‘ possibly contrived “indie rock beef” with Vampire Weekend: Pitchfork.
For more on Vampire Weekend, don’t bother. I hate them.

For the Love of Bob

Everyone’s doing covers these days. Most of the time I cringe visibly, sometimes at the forced, imitated inflections of voice, sometimes at the lack of originality, sometimes at the overexertion of artistic license, but often because I will never again be able to listen to a song I once enjoyed without a terrible rip-off of it echoing in the back of my mind. A copy of the I’m Not There soundtrack recently made its way into my hands, begging a listen or two, although I am usually wary of Dylan covers. I liked it well enough, generally; it had its gems and its duds for me–but that’s not important, although I always find my own musical opinion important. The point is, it made me think about covers–and Bob Dylan covers specifically. And for the love of Bob, I felt the need to discuss my favorite Dylan covers with all of you.

#4. Lay Lady Lay – Magnet & Gemma Hayes

Although it’s something I would likely do, don’t discount this cover because it appears on the Mr. and Mrs. Smith soundtrack. It’s good. Naturally, it’s more produced than Dylan’s version, featuring strings and horns and whatnot, but it’s not totally dissimilar (or beyond recognition like uh.. Ministry’s version of this song, for instance). Magnet’s take on it was original enough to be memorable, though, turning it into a sultry duet, rather than one man’s attempted smooth operating in order to peel some panties. As beautifully as Dylan can pull that off, this version’s worth a listen. You can find it and some other nice little Norwegian Magnet tunes at his myspace.

#3. Ring Them Bells – Sufjan Stevens

I’m hesitant to say too much about this one because the song pretty much speaks for itself. It’s one of those absolutely delightfully whimsical track you’d expect from Sufjan Stevens. Tempo changes, sweet harmonies, a wide range of instruments, dynamics, dramatics, etc.–all the hallmarks of Sufjan. He made “Ring Them Bells” his own, but not in the way that makes me die on the inside while listening to it. Give it a listen at the I’m Not There Soundtrack myspace.

#2. Simple Twist of Fate – Jeff Tweedy

This song is one of the covers to appear on I’m Not There. I was less worried about Jeff Tweedy’s take on the song (I like both him and Wilco very much) and more worried about any cover of this song in general, it being my favorite song on Blood On the Tracks and all. However, I should have had more faith in Tweedy; his rendition of this song makes it difficult for me to place it at #2, as it would be worthy of #1, if not for the fact that I’m thoroughly enamored with #1 and have been long enough for it to reach 367 plays on iTunes. Tweedy not only does the song justice, but, if I may be so bold as to suggest such a thing, makes an even more poignant and beautiful version than Dylan. Excuse me for my heresy. Vocally, he does mimic Dylan somewhat, but he brings a different sort of tone to the song. He also replaces the harmonica, which (excuse the heresy again) I always found nice but a little out of place in this song, for violin. I believe you can only find this version on the I’m Not There soundtrack, but you can listen to it, along with three of my other favorites from the soundtrack, online here.

#1. Oh Sister – Andrew Bird

I will say this confidently without apologizing for the heresy: this version simply outdoes Dylan’s. Those who know me know my undying love for Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist and whistler extraordinaire Andrew Bird–and hear of it far too often, I’m sure. I love his voice and his whistling and his violin playing and all of them are beautifully on display here, complemented by the lovely harmonies of Nora O’Connor, whose voice may have been made just for singing with Bird. To put it into terms that all you math nerds out there can understand, this song comes seriously close to that elusive asymptote of musical perfection. It also features one of the most beautiful instrumental sections I’ve ever heard starting around 3 minutes and 40 seconds in. It’s the best of Bob and Bird and it’s brilliant. I command you to listen to it immediately at Andrew Bird’s myspace or on the new Soldier On EP; then I command you go out and get your hands on Andrew Bird’s entire catalogue, because he’s just that mind-blowingly incredible.

Feel free to leave your favorite Dylan covers in the comments; I’m always open to musical suggestions–but make sure they’re good, otherwise I will judge you.