BANG-A-RANG, RUFIO

old with the old

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:31:17 PDT

This blog has been pretty dead the past month or two. Not because I'm any less excited about all the new music I've been jammin out too lately, but more because I haven't had the time to muster up the writing to accompany it. And that seems to have been the problem with this whole venture from the start: trying to digest the music quick enough to compose a paragraph or two about it that's actually worth reading is not really sustainable given the internet's relentlessly real-time pace. It's time to tweek the medium.

So I've upgraded, moved to a new location and a new incarnation --- one thats stripped down and much better for what this blog is trying to do: share the music.

Find me now over at www.radior.tumblr.com Bang-a-rang.

Atlas Sound - Walkabout

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:48:17 PDT

[no cover today. if you've seen it you know why....]

It's so balmy out it feels like summer right now. Gotta post some warm weather music. Here's a track from Atlas Sound, the impressive side project of Deerhunter's Bradford Cox. The man is prolific. This song is from last year's excellent and hazy Logos, and features help on vocals from Animal Collective's Noah Lennox (aka Panda Bear).

The Morning Benders - Excuses and Promises

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:24:52 PDT

For your Monday morning pleasure, check out San Francisco band The Morning Benders. Below are the first two songs from their breakthrough record, The Big Echo, out this month on Rough Trade.

I don't know if it's a sign of growing out of touch or just the jaded consequence of consuming as much music as possible, but this year I've found myself less than excited about whats been coming out the indie-rock/pop world. Happily, The Morning Benders have me bucking that trend. Their music is lush and detailed -- and ridiculously easy to listen to. As of last week, I've had their jangly orchestral pop playing on a feverish repeat. It's employment of soaring harmony and jangly melody is nothing groundbreaking, of course; but the way they hem it altogether is what makes their baroque music stand out amongst the throngs of myspace usuals.

David Byrne & Brian Eno - Life is Long and Help Me Somebody

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:50:09 PDT

Just a quick flyby, courtesy of the OG's of pretty much all that's happened in independent music's 30 plus years: David Byrne & Brian Eno. The first song is off their still slept-on 2008 release, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, the duo's first collaborative release since their groundbreaking 1981 record, My Life In The Bush of Ghosts, which is where you'd find the second track's origin. Same as it ever was? Give a listen....

Broken Bells - The Mall & Misery

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:15:21 PDT

Singer/songwriter James Mercer (the man, the myth, and the legend behind The Shins) and producer-in-demand Danger Mouse (of Grey Album and Gnarls Barkley fame) have teamed up to form the side project Broken Bells. While the result may not be quite as paradigm-shattering as the first time you heard Mercer's band soundtracking the protagonist's self-realizations in that movie about New Jersey that saved your relationship, a few things remain clear: one, dude still knows how to write some great songs; and two, Danger Mouse is getting really good at the producer's balancing act -- coaching the artist he's working with out of their familiar provinces and into new territory, without ever playing an overbearing role.

Case in point: "Mall & Misery," the album's ace closer. Here things start out all spaghetti western -- clearly the influence of a producer-mind like Danger Mouse's -- with cinematic strings and a few sparse twangs plucked from some lonesome-cowboy's guitar. However, as soon as the build-up's gone on long enough to set the mood, in bursts an over-driven Hammond organ and Mercer's opening line, backed by a razor-sharp riff straight outta The Clash's playbook. The upbeat turn of pace is thrilling, but then you realize Mercer is singing about modern dissatisfaction and know that we haven't gotten to far removed from Zach Braff after all. But hey, with Mercer behind the hooks and now Danger Mouse at the helm, this is not such a bad place to be.

The Cults - Go Outside

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:15:54 PDT

Eleanor put this song on yesterday afternoon, and between the spring's-here weather and the song's beckoning lyrics, it was one of those times when setting and soundtrack come together just right. The Cults are doing the very fashionable anonymity thing, so it's difficult to dig up any promising details like forthcoming albums or tours. (Ironic that in the age of internet ubiquity, one way to stand out from the crowd is to ensure you still hide within it.) The good news is right now the band is offering up their easy-breezy jam for free download. See below.

The Cults - Go Outside

Dirty Projectors - Two Doves

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:03:00 PDT

The word beautiful is beyond hackneyed at this point in letters; so much so that I try to avoid using it at nearly all costs. But there simply is no other word that better expresses this song off The Dirty Projectors' 2009 record, Bitte Orca. It's goddamn beautiful.

Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:58:04 PST

We've been listening to a lot of glossier, dance floor tractor-beam music over at casa 828 lately, with today as no exception. Threw this Friendly Fires track on earlier while making my chicken dinner and remembered how much these English gents can really bring the noise. There are countless other bands out there making similarly disco-punk music, but few are doing it using real, old-fashioned instruments. Check the video below as well.

Toro Y Moi - Blissa

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:41:48 PST

Go ahead and chalk up "Blissa"---the first song on Toro Y Moi's 2010 album Causers of This---under the ever-legitimizing genre known as "chill-wave," popularized by way of last year's releases from digital dreamscapists Washed Out and Neon Indian. Hate or love their affected, lo-fi sound, though, there are definitely some gems to be found amongst all the haze, and this track is one of them. Something good for a lazy Friday almost-spring afternoon.

Empire of The Sun - Walking On A Dream

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:06:55 PDT

Aussie's latest musical export---who for some strange reason have yet to explode stateside (they will). Best way to describe this glam-jam's addictive sound is one-half Prince's unfuckwitable cool, one-half MGMT's universal pop. It doesn't get any less incredible after the 100th play.

Huge shout out to big Reider for turning me on to this one....

Sleigh Bells - Ring Ring

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:37:27 PST

I'm back...with a sticky jam from this Brooklyn duo. Most of Sleigh Bells stuff is much more noisy and much less laidback, but here singer Alexis Krupp sing-raps some swagger bombs over a woozy guitar sample lifted from Funkadelic's classic "Can You Get To That?" Soooooooo nice.

"Ring Ring"

Sleighspace

An Intern Moment

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:07:41 PST

Here's a donation request letter from FMC, a group I've been interning with in DC the past few months. Throw us a few bones if you're feeling philanthropic. It really would go to a great cause . . .

"There has never been a more important time to contribute to the future of music.

As the music community continues its rocky shift to a largely digital platform, there are unprecedented policy questions before us. At this point in history, seemingly disparate issues — from spectrum reform to media ownership to internet regulatory structures to copyright — are now inextricably linked. Yet it’s crucial that we not ignore the perspective of the artists themselves as we work towards creative solutions to shared challenges.

Future of Music Coalition exists to amplify musicians’ voices on the issues that affect their livelihood. From artists’ right to expression to access to media like radio and the internet, FMC seeks to inject the creator viewpoint into broader issues of public policy. You can help with this mission.

I'm inviting you to join me as a proud supporter of FMC.

http://futureofmusic.org/donate

FMC’s programs and campaigns:

1. assist artists in becoming empowered self-advocates

2. help musicians to understand their health insurance options

3. defend open internet principles that inspire a level playing field for all musicians

4. improve conditions in radio so more artists can reach the airwaves

5. provide platforms for musicians to engage directly in policy debates

The future of music is bright, provided we seize this historic opportunity to create structures that reward artists and allow for the kind of innovation that will inspire audiences. Through education, research and advocacy, FMC has become the voice on issues at the intersection of music, technology, policy and law. Their mission to improve the lives of musicians couldn’t be more critical, and you can help carry it forward."

http://futureofmusic.org/donate

RIYL: suburban rooftop blues, sunbaked daydreams, and the call of the beach

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:04:06 PST

Real Estate - (s/t)

Putting the drift in driftwood on Woodsist records (2009)

There's something powerful and alluring about the thought of escaping to the beach. It's cliche for sure; yet its endlessly appealing all the same. Visions of careless backstrokes and sprawling atop warm beds of sand hold a promise of comfort that's a welcome relief from the drear of mundane daily life.

The New Jerseyans who make up the band Real Estate know this beach-longing well, as they've captured its sentiment in full on their striking debut record. On standout cuts like "Fake Blues" and "Beach Comber," melodic surf-guitar lines float alongside slack-jaw drums and lead singer Matthew Mondanile's wistful, toned-down singing. On its surface the music's sunny vibes evoke a youthful optimism for the possible. However, once the album's sedative pace fully sets in its clear there's just as much resignation here as hope. In other words, the good times are past and suburban ennui is here to stay---at least until summer returns next year. In the meantime, give this gorgeous record a spin.

RIYL: free and easy folk-rock, tea at sunrise, and a tamer Devendra Banhart

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:28 PST

Vetiver - Tight Knit

Sub Pop records (2009)

After three steadily overlooked albums of sweet and gentle folk-jams, Andy Cabic took his San Francisco-based band on up the road to record their latest album under Sub Pop's illustrious black and white banner. The supportive backing of such a reputable label has certainly helped spread the reach of Vetiver's charming tunes, but the veteran quality of the band's music is still undeniable on its own. On Tight Knit, Cabic leads Banhart and the the rest of the Vetiver cast through acoustic songs that are mellow, rolling, and very well polished---never demanding or affronting in any way. Easy listening doesn't get any better than this.

RIYL: the ivories tickled, group singing, and the Basement Tapes of today

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:16:45 PST

Bombadil - Tarpits and Canyonlands

on the Avett Brothers' Ramseur records (2009)

More Ketchup. Against the grain of fidelity-unconscious garage rockers that seemed the dominant musical trend of 2009, the North Carolina-bred Bombadil manage to still focus on substance over style, writing piano-led music that's difficult to classify but easily identified for its peculiar wit and magnetism. Some have even gone so far as to mention The Band in Bombadil's description. There's also something of the Mountaingoats and Ben Folds in their sound, although much less obnoxious if you ask me.

New Orleans' horns, bands big enough to fill a short bus, and old-world folkpop

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:23:50 PST

Sgt. Dunbar & the Hobo Banned - Charles Mingus' Garbage Pile

blowin' worldly and woozy on B3nson records (2009)

Time to play catch-up.

Check out the new EP from this Albany, NY collective. Reminds me at times of Devotchka, Beirut, and even Neutral Milk Hotel. Sounds just like it's titled.

RIYL: childhood, and ambient psych-pop

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:19:17 PST

Atlas Sound - Logos

growing up now on Kranky records (2009)

Excusing the awkward album cover, the newest record from Bradford Cox reaffirms two things: first, that the prolific and Midas-like songwriter has an apparently bottomless well of song material; and second, that his music---whether with Deerhunter or under the Atlas Sound moniker---is increasingly moving away from the inaccessible noise-experiments that first put him on the scene and more towards a hook-centric, dream-pop. As a huge fan of Cox's more recent output, this continuing gravitation towards pop bliss is more than welcome, and there's a lot going on with Logos that I'm excited about. Whether it's the genius collaboration with Noah Lennox of Panda Bear and Animal Collective on "Walkabout," the naive promise of "Sheila," the awesome arc and build of the epic "Quick Canal," or the haze of bleeps and loops on "Washington School," Cox has done it again with another rewarding batch of enigmatic and juvenescent pop songs.

RIYL: autumn's melancholy, meticulous guitar-pop, and Britishness

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:18:48 PST

The Clientele - Bonfires On The Heath

out now on merge records (2009)

Another incredibly consistent autumnal brit-pop record from these underrated English tune smiths. Building on the successful past expansions of their jangly 60's sound into a now fully realized inclusion of string sections, steel guitar, and female backing vocals, The Clientele seamlessly move from seductive uptempo pop-jams to dreamy and lonesome suburban melodies---everything guided by the band's tight precision and sense of arrangement. Maybe their best record yet.

RIYL: equatorial dance parties, paradigm shifts, and afro-pop positivity

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:47:23 PST

The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa

overcrowding dance floors everywhere on Green Owl records (2009)

The Very Best are a transcontinetal collaboration of Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya and the English production duo known as Radioclit. The euphoric jams they make together are a celebratory and hybrid mix of African harmonies and dance-ready electro beats that explode conventional 'world music' cliches with their appeal to that something which precedes any exclusion by way of race, language, cultural membership, or niche understanding: the human impulse for gettin' down.

I had a chance to catch their live show last night at the DC 9, and it blew minds. As always, the music is its own best spokesman, so check out the record and see what I'm getting at. If Warm Heart of Africa leaves you wanting more, your next move should be to download the free mixtape The Very Best released as a promo record sometime last year.

RIYL: getting high on dubs, a seamless mix, and beats you've never heard of

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:47:09 PST

DJ/Rupture - Uproot

riding de new riddims on the Agriculture records (2008)

Brooklyn DJ and crate-digger with some serious obscure beat-mining skills puts together 23 track mixtape of crossbreeding, mostly dubstep grooves. A bass-lover's heaven and a hypnotizing, narcotic listen---soon to be bobbin noggins at a coffee shops near you. This is Rupture's 4th official mixtape.

RIYL: blown-out melodies, a promising songwriter, and the jingle jangle morning

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:45:09 PDT

The Love Language - (s/t)

out now on Bladen County records (2009)

I've only room for another quick fly-by, so here goes. The Love Language was one of my first exciting new finds when I returned from the Orient earlier this spring. The self-titled debut album from this Raleigh, North Carolina group is a real corker, chock full of spirited sing-along jams that lurch and shuffle their scratchy melodies into your memory banks a la Guided By Voices. Led by the inspired charge of lead singer/songwriter/down-on-his-luckster Stu Mclamb, this record showcases a brash and versatile new talent with promise to spare. In the meantime, however, be sure to check out the classic pop-writing genius of "Lalita," "Sparxx," or "Stars."

RIYL: coastal music

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:47:27 PDT

Port O'Brien - Threadbare

bearing the elements on TBD records (2009)

Not a lot of spare time this week, but it's my intention to keep the music coming. To start, here's the newest album from the Alaska-by-way-of-California group, Port O'Brien. Threadbare is the band's third full-length, and it mostly picks up where the other two left off: with gritty and bucolic folk-rock songs, inspired by the husband-and-wife duo of singers Van Pierzalowski and Cambria Goodwin's, and the members' day-jobs as crabbers, bakers, and fish-cannery workers. Art definitely reflects life, here.

If you find this album to be your cup of tea, I'd strongly recommend picking up their previous records, The Wind and The Swell and All We Could Do Was Sing. Both will make the winter a lot more bearable.

RIYL: trios, time-signature hopping, and spastic blues-punk

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:54:49 PDT

White Denim - Fits

flexing their muscles on downtown records (2009)

Three dudes hailing from Austin, Texas who are making some of the most interesting pop music I've heard in months. There are so many fleeting ideas, spazzy time-shifts, locked-in grooves, noise-explosions, starts, and stops on this record its tough to classify. Not that labeling is important here, just that the music defies constancy. Other bands like Maps + Atlases, Pretty and Nice, or Menomena come to mind---if only for their similarly fun sense of experimentation and incendiary playing skills. Give "Start to Run," "Regina Holding Hands," or "Mirrored and Reverse" a shot.

There's some confusion regarding the contents of this album. Some places have it as a double album, like Lala does below, others only include half the songs. The minimal sleuthing I've done has uncovered that the first 12 songs comprise the official "Fits" album, while the remaining 11 are a collection of previously released EP songs and B-sides. Enlightenment is power, sucka.

RIYL: eerie blues-folk and quavering vocalists

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:56:26 PDT

Timber Timbre - (s/t)

advancing forestation by way of Arts & Crafts records (2009)

Taylor Kirk, the man behind Canada's Timber Timbre, describes himself as "haunted by the history of pop music." Whatever those demons may be, the dark blues and folk music that Kirk produces is all the proof needed to see what he means. The latest Timber Timbre release is a beautifully eerie one, with Kirk's shivering yet stark baritone at the front and center of the hushed and richly-textured songs. The whole record feels as if recorded alone in some cavernous and dimly-lit room. Try "Demon Host" and "Lay Down In The Tall Grass" as your starting points.

RIYL: garage-rock revivals

noreply@blogger.com (James) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:33:08 PDT

The Mantles - (s/t)

breaking their instruments on Siltbreeze records (2009)

The Mantles are a San Francisco bunch who've got a soft spot for the clang and matted-hair indifference of garage-rock and its glory days. The version they play is very melodic, however, once you get past the surface noise, and also kind of jammy. Whichever way you describe it, their self-titled debut record is excellent, and one I've been spinning all morning. Highlights have got to be "Look Away," "Don't Lie," "Samantha," and "Thin Reminder." Don't say I didn't warn ya.