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SOTD: Parts & Labor - 'Nowheres Nigh' from Receivers (2008)
An unseasonably warm day in Kansas City such as the one we're having today demands something unusually upbeat. Brooklyn-based Parts & Labor have been around since 2002, but it wasn't until 2008's Receivers that the noise/art band really brought together all the elements hinted at in 2007's Mapmaker. While still maintaining their noise roots, the hooks are much more in evidence as evidenced by 'Nowheres Nigh.' It almost might even be called a pop song.
SOTD: The House of Love - 'Never' from Live At The BBC (2009)
Fortunately, the band recorded several John Peel sessions while they were together. Those have been previously collected and released in various configurations, but we fans now have a compilation of live BBC concerts to enjoy as well. Live At The BBC collects tracks from four venues from 1990-1992 (though Middlesborough is only represented once in the 19 tracks). The band is presented as they were, warts and all. Guy Chadwick sounds a bit flat at times, though the band is always tight. Chadwick never had the strongest voice but was a superb songwriter. In spite of band strife, record company issues, and a largely indifferent public, The House of Love persevered and for that we are the ones rewarded.
'Never' captures everything I loved about the band: ringing and chiming guitars, great percussion, and Chadwick's signature snarly delivery.
'The Girl With The Loneliest Eyes' was one of those songs I wish I could've written. I remember putting it on mixtapes (yes, those ancient relics) for various friends and especially girls upon whom I may have had crushes.
When I first heard 'Feel' I was a bit ambivalent about it. It's a House of Love catalog favorite today.
It's hard to go wrong with The House of Love, but if one was to explore the band further I would definitely recommend finding a copy of what is commonly called "The Butterfly Album" as it was second untitled album the band released. A close second choice would be the 1992 album Babe Rainbow.
The House of Love didn't last as long as I may have wished. Regardless, I can take a day to live in the past and revel in the glory of what they offered.
SOTD: Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts - 'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' from Risk (2010)
Apparently I'm late to the party on Harmann and company due to the fact their new album Risk is their sixth release. This Seattle-based band has been doing the circuit for a number of years, but if their earlier work is anything like Risk I'm going to be doing some catching up quite soon. While their bio says others have compared them to Jeff Buckley or Elliott Smith I hear many other things in their music. Part of it sounds a bit similar to Band of Horses, other parts remind me of early Slobberbone, and yet at other moments I'd swear I'm almost hearing Sugar, though I'm sure nobody else hears that and I can even convince myself I'm nuts. The bottom line is that Harmann and his band The Trouble Starts have an instantly familiar sound, yet don't sound just like anyone else.
'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' is the lead single off Risk. Though a brief tune at 2:05 the song lingers with you. The guitars chime in all the right places while the drums are nice and crisp. And before you know it the song is over. I dare you to try and not hit repeat.
The version of 'Dee' that appears on Risk is a slightly reworked version from the one that appeared on the May 2009 Our Arms EP. The excellent animated video below is mesmerizing.
I suppose it's something few might find interesting, but when I heard 'Dee' it reminded me of another song but I couldn't place what it was exactly. Only later did it come to me: Holland (not the same as the band hollAnd or the metal group of the same name) had a song on their 2003 album Photographs & Tidalwaves titled 'Goodnight Texas.' Though there are many differences, the quiet/soft dynamic works for me in both cases. Once the song works into its full glory past the 3:30 mark the comparison may make more sense.
I was lucky to catch Holland on tour in 2003 while they were opening for The Elms (who were promoting their excellent Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll album). Needless to say, 'Goodnight Texas' was the highlight of their set for me.
In any case, you should check out Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts as Risk is an excellent release. Here is the band performing 'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' at the Comet Tavern in January 2010.
SOTD: Jason Kent - 'Slowly Dive in Love' from Jason Kent (2008)
Teen Mom did it to me. The guilty pleasure MTV reality show following the lives and trials of four young mothers infected me with an ear worm that wouldn't go away until it was satisfied. Last week's episode ended with a song by a little-known Canadian, Jason Kent, who must have good friends at the network. It's really too bad it's so hard to find Kent's music as the payoff is definitely worth the effort.
Despite the fact Kent's self-titled debut album was released in 2008, the Teen Mom exposure is probably the first time many people have been exposed to his brand of singer/songwriter tunes. While he occasionally sounds similar to Harvest-era Neil Young, Kent has an understated, simple way of singing that appealed to me quickly. Hearing the piano chords of "Slowly Dive in Love" I immediately perked up as this was far different than the usual MTV show soundtrack. It's a haunting track that seems to beg to be played at the end of a long night. Other tracks are more upbeat and remind one of early Wilco, never a bad thing.
According to maplemusic.com, Kent has has opened for Rufus Wainwright, Neko Case, Arctic Monkeys, April Wine, Melissa Auf der Maur, The Stars, The Dears, The Unicorns, and The Autumn Defense (members of Wilco) among others. Unfortunately, the album is not available on iTunes in the U.S. or Amazon.com. There aren't even any cheap CDs on eBay currently. The only places I found to get the album are through Toronto-based zunior.com (mp3/FLAC) or maplemusic.com (CD). Perhaps with the increased exposure more avenues for obtaining Jason Kent's work will become available.
Don't believe me that Jason Kent can channel Neil Young? Check out this video of Kent performing 'Great Divide' on a Rhodes piano:
'Country Lane' is also found on the 2008 self-titled album.
'America' is another personal favorite from Jason Kent.
SOTD: Gentle Touch - 'Memories' from Gentle Touch EP (2006)
An apparently really great guy, Andreas Sundgren, marked a photo of mine as one of his favorites on Flickr, allowing him to easily come back to it if he ever chooses to do so. When I saw this I looked at his profile and noticed he is Swedish, but lives in Montreal and is co-founder of creative agency Svenska. A section of the Svenska website is devoted to Scandinavian music and artists Svenska promotes in North America. Looking deeper, I was led to The Swedish Model, a collective of seven Swedish record labels that produce a newsletter and jointly promote releases. One of the participating record labels is the fantastically named Songs I Wish I Had Written. Their website has samples of their artists and that's how I was introduced to Gentle Touch.
Right away I must confess I'm not crazy about the name Gentle Touch. It sounds too...something. Make of it what you will. But I can live with a name for music like this! Granted, at the end of the day this is simple pop music, but is so well executed one can easily dive in and ignore any initial misgivings. Sounding like the best of some of the '80s synth-pop groups with a bit more guitar, Gentle Touch combine elements so many of us remember fondly from that era and package it into something recognizable and familar, yet not sounding completely derivative.
Gentle Touch's MySpace page lists all the influences I would expect for a group like this: Red House Painters, The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Savage, Clan Of Xymox, Julee Cruise, Book Of Love, Cocteau Twins. I also hear a bit of New Order mixed with the Xymox. There's something from The Railway Children (maybe just a little bit). Honestly, a lot of it reminds me of little-known New Order side-project The Other Two, but that's certainly not a bad thing.
In any case, it's good stuff. Both songs below sound start off a bit beat-oriented, especially 'Smedby', but soon incorporate floating keyboards and soothing guitars to take the edge off. The Gentle Touch EP was released in February 2006. The debut full-length, In Memory of Savannah, followed in March 2008, also on the Songs I Wish I Had Written label. I just wish I had discovered Gentle Touch four years ago.
This video is for Gentle Touch's 'Expectations,' the lead track from In Memory of Savannah. The sound isn't great, but gives an idea of the band in action. You can also download songs from the Songs I Wish I Had Written website.
SOTD: The Kissaway Trail - 'SDP' from Sleep Mountain (2010)
I've never particularly wondered what the Arcade Fire might sound like if they were from Denmark, not Canada. It's probably not fair to compare new buzz-band The Kissaway Trail to said Canadians but it seems to be a comparison following them. It's understandable to an extent as people listen and try to find an easy comparison. Their sound is catchy if not completely original. But to dismiss them as knock-offs would be a disservice to the band and what they bring to the table. It's not everyday one finds dual lead vocals among other things.
The band is getting a big push here in the U.S. following the release of their newest album Sleep Mountain last week on Bella Union. (Yes, the same record label founded several years ago by ex-Cocteau Twin members Simon Raymonde and Robin Guthrie.) They have been on tour opening for The Temper Trap and apparently have been well-received.
Time will tell if the band will be able to build upon the success generated so far and evolve enough to lose some of the easy comparisons thown their way. Regardless, Sleep Mountain offers catchy, entertaining tunes meant to be enjoyed in the now. Take advantage of the opportunity and head out on The Kissaway Trail.
A nice write-up on the band from Obscure Sound. Also from Sleep Mountain (and preferred by some fans over the lead single 'SDP'), 'Friendly Fire':
SOTD: Memoryhouse - 'Lately (Deuxième)' from The Years EP (2010)
I dreamt last night. I often dream I suppose, but don't usually remember them. This one remains fairly clear. I was in a second story room, perhaps a bedroom in an old farmhouse. The natural light was amazing as it filtered through the old leaden windows. A breeze provided enough strength to move the sheers just so slightly. It seemed to be warm, perhaps late spring or early summer. I was standing in front of desk looking toward an open window. I could see billowy, white clouds outside. There were many trees in the yard. In the sunlight dappled lawn children were playing and laughing. And this song was the soundtrack.
I discovered Memoryhouse fairly recently upon a friend's recommendation. The Ontario-based duo comprising Memoryhouse recently released The Years EP in preparation for a full-length album out next month. On this release Evan Abeele and Denise Nouvion have created a hypnotic, dreamy, peaceful soundscape upon which to build. 'Lately (Deuxième)' takes a sample of Jon Brion's 'Phone Call' from the Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind soundtrack (a seemingly appropriate movie from which to base a song like this) and builds it into an ethereal hymn with a subtle but hypnotic beat belying the somewhat depressing lyrics.
It's no secret I enjoy sonically dense, hypnotic music on occasion. Bands such as School of Seven Bells (reviewed here) produce amazing music. While approaching it from a determinedly lo-fi angle, Memoryhouse exists in the same area. This could be shoegazing without the multitude of effects pedals. It is ambient. It is quiet. It can become the soundtrack to your dreams.
Check out the video on Vimeo:
Other reviews and Memoryhouse information: Pitchfork (7.3/10) and Cokemachineglow.com.
SOTD: Little & Ashley - 'Stole My Heart' from Stole My Heart EP (2010)
This brings me to my newest favorite duo, Little & Ashley. Despite possible first impressions, Little is actually Annie Little while the Ashley part of the equation is the surname of one Marcus Ashley. Apparently they met in Los Angeles on the open-mic circuit and started listening to music together while forming Little & Ashley.
You may recognize their songs from the Amazon Kindle commercials now airing in the United States. While two songs are in circulation on commercials, 'Stole My Heart' is the one with which I instantly became enamored. Give it a listen. Perhaps they will steal your heart as well.
SOTD: Northern Portrait - 'New Favourite Moment' from Criminal Art Lovers (2010)
Here is 'New Favourite Moment' live at Gramaphone in London on May 5, 2009.
Northern Portrait announced on their blog a week ago they are now a four-piece group.
Lost Between the Cracks: Ballboy - A Guide for the Daylight Hours (2002)
I suppose if I could have any accent I wanted it would be Scottish. Oh sure, my ancestry is English/Irish, and I know some great Welsh folks. Australians are great people and I've always wanted to visit or live in New Zealand, but I'd probably have to pick the Scottish accent as my favorite if it came right down to it.
Scotland has been home to some of the best music of the past 25 years. Bands such as Teenage Fanclub, the Jesus & Mary Chain, Primal Scream, the Silencers, Big Country, and Del Amitri placed Scotland on the alternative rock map. Groups such as Idlewild, Travis, Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian, and the Delgados carried the flag for indie bands into the 21st century. Newer bands such as Frightened Rabbit continue to produce quality music that reflect in some way their Scottish roots. And then there are bands like Ballboy. Formed in the late 1990s in Edinburgh the four-piece band has released five albums and several EPs yet few here in the U.S. have been exposed to their brand of Scottish goodness. They did tour the U.S. in 2002 with David Gedge's project at the time, Cinerama. (Appropriate as I always thought Ballboy had some Wedding Present tendencies.) With rare exceptions that tour has been their lone exposure on American soil. What drew me to Ballboy was their mix of narrative and self-deprecating songs. It's not often I've heard a band switch so effortlessly between songs such as 'I Lost You, But I Found Country Music' and 'I Hate Scotland.' Perhaps it helps to have a school teacher and a nurse among the band members, but many groups wouldn't be worried about such topics as 'Essential Wear for Future Trips to Space' as found on Club Anthems (a compilation album of early EPs). Ballboy even wrote a love song inspired by Star Wars they dared title 'Lightsaber' complete with appropriate sound effects. Primary songwriter Gordon McIntyre reminds me of a Scottish version of the Church's Steve Kilbey in that he has a sing-speak vocal delivery. It's not a true singing delivery so his accent clearly comes through. While some might have issues with such a presentation, it adds a distinctive touch for me. In a song such as 'Where Do the Nights of Sleep Go to When They Do Not Come to Me?' from A Guide for the Daylight Hours McIntyre manages to include a snippet of Stephen Crane's poem 'In the Desert' about a heart-eating creature. (Yes, the same Stephen Crane who wrote The Red Badge of Courage.) Perhaps it's my jaded American ears, but the song wouldn't be nearly as interesting in a non-Scottish accent.'You Should Fall in Love with Me' is from a Peel Sessions recorded on March 20, 2003.
'Avant Garde Music' also comes from A Guide to the Daylight Hours. This version from NYC Popfest in May 2007 at the Knitting Factory includes a hilarious story about Queen Elizabeth II.
'Dumper Truck Racing' was recorded at the 2003 Strange Fruit Festival at Bush Hall in London. According to one of the comments on YouTube, the show ran past curfew, so McIntyre just continued to perform acousticly without a microphone. Some Ballboy fans list this as their favorite song by the band.
Through a crack in the shield our eyes look screaming
Yellow wide unyielding lines
Spreading dread leaves roadkill sleeping
We float we fly we gloat we glide we hide we find
We don't deny we've left our destiny behind
But really, this is one of those tunes by one of those bands where it's just better to turn up the song and go with it. On a bright sunny day like this it doesn't *need* to make sense. It just is.
Parts & Labor live in Paris in 2008:
A fan-made video done as a media project assignment. Makes as much sense as the song, but the lightsaber fight is amusing.
"The Gold We're Digging" is from 2007's Mapmaker album.