New Music Tuesday - May 01, 2012

Father John Misty - Fear Fun

Given how obsessive I can tend to get about music, I was surprised to realize that this was not J. Tillman's first album, granted it is his first under the name "Father John Misty." Tillman is the recently departed drummer for the Fleet Foxes, so I know he's been a major part of at least two incredible albums. I also like what I've heard from him here, looks like my library is about to grow by seven albums!
"Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings"

Norah Jones - Little Broken Hearts

Norah Jones has been a number of things in her career. She started off a lilting jazz singer, with a heavy pop influence, which she maintained for about three albums. On her most recent album, The Fall, she explored a more roots-based, country sound. Here, though, may be my favorite incarnation of her. It's pop, but more straight-forwardly so. She seems more confident than ever and, I think , it suits her voice better.


Santigold - Master of My Make-Believe

I'm still pissed that someone forced Santi White to change her stage name from Santogold. Fortunately, she's still the same amazing artist regardless of the name that she records under. Having loved her debut album, I had very high expectations for the follow-up. She does more than deliver, she blows the debut out of the water.
"Disparate Youth"

OK, I'm a Dork

Sherwin-Williams (yes, the paint place) recently released a browser add-in called Chip It! The add-in allows a user to take a picture that's online and find up to 10 of the colors in the picture.

Presumably, it's meant to be a tool to allow users to find a paint color to match a beloved picture or swatch of fabric. But me being me, I've been using it to find the colors on my favorite album covers!

I don't actually have any current plans to create room themes around any of these albums, though the ease of using this tool may make that a future project!

Congratulations Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford!

Last Saturday, actress Carey Mulligan married musician Marcus Mumford in England. The two had been engaged for nine months and dating five months before that.

Carey has become one of the few truly bright points among young actresses, gaining attention for movies like An Education and Shame, getting a Best Actress nomination for her role in the former. Mumford is the frontman for folk-inspired band Mumford & Sons (I guess that makes Mulligan a step mom!).

Congratulations to the happy couple!

The Rapture - "How Deep Is Your Love"

I like this video since it reminds me of going to church as a child and how the ladies at the church would have their Sunday best on, including colorful hats! That said, I'm not quite sure what to make of tiny Luke Jenner dancing around in the video, especially since it doesn't seem to be a part of any greater narrative. An interesting video, nonetheless.



Well...I guess something could be said about the debated religious undertones of the group's album, In the Grace of Your Love.

On Repeat: "Night Swim"

My knowledge of and experience with Frankie Rose goes back only as far as about the release of her excellent new album, Interstellar, which was about three months ago. In that time, she has quickly become one of my new favorites. While the album has many excellent tracks, "Night Swim" might be my favorite. I love how crisp and fresh her vocals sound on the chorus!

New Music Tuesday - 04/24/2012

Brendan Benson - What Kind of World

Mr. Benson probably could have picked a better date to release his new album. As well-written as his songs are, he always seems to be playing second fiddle to his Raconteurs band mate, Jack White. While the album may lose out on attention, it's still a good release. He doesn't attempt to reinvent his own wheel, sticking to a simple, straightforward pop sound.
"Bad for Me"

The Dandy Warhols - This Machine

I caught an early listen of this release on NME. The songs are good, but a little all over the place. It seems like, after seven albums, they're suddenly unsure of what they want to be. At times, it sounds like Iggy Pop, other times Daft Punk and almost like Magnetic Fields at other points. None of the songs, individually, are bad, they just don't seem to fit together. This album's at its best when it's not trying too hard.
"Sad Vacation"

Jack White - Blunderbuss

It was starting to seem like Jack White was a band kind of man. He always embarked on musical ventures, at least, as part of a duo. After more than 20 years performing music (and 15 years after The White Stripes' first album) he is finally releasing a solo album. Stylistically, I'd say this is more akin to his work with his most popular band; it's mostly his voice and his guitar, whereas in later projects, there was more instrumentation and shared vocals. A very welcome return!
"Sixteen Saltines"

The Raveonettes - Into the Night EP

The Raveonettes are one of those bands that found their sound early and have not strayed from it. They return with this short, but sweet, EP of songs just as reverb-y and loud as anything they've put out.
"Into the Night"

Rufus Wainwright - Out of the Game

I almost can't get over how beautiful Rufus Wainwright's voice sounds on this album, especially on the title track (not that he hasn't sounded good in past releases). I think what really convinced me of this album was watching him perform the song, as well as "Jericho," in the back of a taxi cab on a recent episode of The Black Cab Sessions. Also, no one can ever truly go wrong putting Helena Bonham-Carter in one of their music videos!
"Out of the Game"

Suckers - Candy Salad

I just realized that Rufus Wainwright says this band's name repeatedly in the title track for his new album. While I'm sure it has nothing to do with the band, he should be a fan if he isn't already. If there's one thing that this band does well (and they do many things well) is whistling. Sure, it seems like a minor aspect of music, but you have to appreciate a good whistles. From the songs I've heard so far from this release, they aren't straying from the whistle. Hopefully, they maintain the quality of their music all around, as well!
"Turn on the Sunshine"

Theresa Andersson - Street Parade

Swedes make some of the best music. Probably a disproportionately high amount of awesome tunes given the country's relatively small population. Theresa Andersson is just one of many amazing Swedish artists. I love her voice here, especially on the song "What Comes Next."
"What Comes Next"

The Shins - "The Rifle's Spiral"

The new video from The Shins, for the track "The Rifle's Spiral," is a beautifully animated, but hauntingly creepy story. It shows a young magician as she attempts to reclaim her "rabbit in a hat" from a trio of evil, but also magical, men.



The video was initially released just for the Nintendo 3DS and created, obviously, for a 3D experience. The 2D experience is pretty incredible, though I still kind of want to see how this looked in 3D!